strident
/ˈstraɪdnt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstraɪdnt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrī-dᵊnt/ (ame, mw)
strident — adjective
- stridentpositive
- more stridentcomparative
- most stridentsuperlative
1. If a sound is strident, it has a sharp, harsh quality that makes people feel unc
If a sound is strident, it has a sharp, harsh quality that makes people feel uncomfortable and want to move away from it.
The strident sound of the fire alarm made everyone cover their ears.
strident + sound / noise / alarm for unpleasant loudness
Dr. Okafor had to shout to be heard above the strident noise of the construction drills next door.
The old air conditioner made a strident humming noise that kept Sven awake all night.
A strident ringing from the telephone woke the Watanabe family at two in the morning.
Passengers on the delayed 7:15 train complained about the strident beeping that played every time the doors opened.
用法筆記
This sense is mostly used for sounds made by machines, alarms, or musical instruments — not usually for natural sounds like thunder or wind.
常見錯誤
2. Strident language or public statements express opinions very directly and forcef
Strident language or public statements express opinions very directly and forcefully, without trying to be polite or to avoid upsetting people.
The newspaper published a strident editorial calling for the mayor to resign immediately.
strident + editorial / article / statement for forceful expression
Dr. Rivera grew increasingly strident in her criticism of the university's budget cuts.
Student activists issued a strident statement demanding better pay for campus workers.
The senator's strident speech attacked the new trade deal and drew angry shouts from the opposition.
Some readers found the columnist's strident tone off-putting, though they agreed with her main points.
- vociferous
suggests loud and determined protesting; stronger on volume than strident
- outspoken
neutral or positive; lacks the aggressive tone of strident
- vehement
shows strong feeling but not necessarily harshness
- blunt
direct to the point of rudeness, but without the loudness of strident
- diplomatic
tactful and careful not to offend
- restrained
kept within limits; not forceful
文法句型
strident + in + noun / gerund
用法筆記
Often used in political or social commentary contexts. Unlike sense 1, this sense applies to the style of expression rather than the quality of a sound.
常見錯誤
3. A strident person expresses their opinions in an aggressive, confrontational way
A strident person expresses their opinions in an aggressive, confrontational way, pushing others to accept their views without caring whether it annoys or offends them.
At the school board meeting, the most strident voices belonged to parents demanding that the cancelled bus routes be reinstated.
strident + voice / person for character description
Elena became increasingly strident in her demands for safer working conditions at the factory.
A strident group of protesters refused to leave the square until officials agreed to talk.
The lawyer's strident manner in court led the judge to ask for a calmer tone.
Even among the critics, Jamal was the most strident in calling for the company's closure.
- insistent
less aggressive; simply refuses to give up
- militant
stronger, often implies readiness to fight or take action
- tenacious
positive or neutral; focuses on persistence rather than harshness
- unyielding
emphasises refusal to compromise more than verbal force
- compliant
willing to do what others want
- accommodating
willing to adjust to others' needs or opinions
文法句型
strident + in + noun / gerund
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 describes language or writing, while sense 3 describes a person's character or behaviour. A person can use strident language (sense 2) without being a strident person (sense 3).