stentorian
English
WOTD – 10 March 2007
Etymology
Stentor + -ian, from Ancient Greek Στέντωρ (Sténtōr). Stentor was the herald of the Greek forces in the Iliad, noted for his loud voice.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /stɛnˈtɔː.ɹi.ən/
Audio (US) (file)
Adjective
stentorian (comparative more stentorian, superlative most stentorian)
- (of a voice) Loud, powerful, booming, suitable for giving speeches to large crowds.
- 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot Chapter VIII
- There seemed no one to dispute his claims when he said, or rather shouted, in stentorian tones: "I am Tsa. This is my she. Who wishes her more than Tsa?"
- 1922: James Joyce, Ulysses,
- The Irish Caruso-Garibaldi was in superlative form and his stentorian notes were heard to the greatest advantage in the time-honoured anthem sung as only our citizen can sing it.
- 1938: William Faulkner, The Unvanquished,
- Giving us a last embracing and comprehensive glance he drew it, already pivoting Jupiter on the tight snaffle; his hair tossed beneath the cocked hat, the sabre flashed and glinted; he cried, not loud yet stentorian: "Trot! Canter! Charge!"
- 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot Chapter VIII
- (by extension) Stern, authoritarian; demanding of respect.
Translations
of a voice suitable for giving speeches to large crowds
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Anagrams
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