What does shriekingly mean?
The adverb shriekingly is used to describe something that is done in a extremely loud or piercing manner, often to the point of being ear-piercing or startling. It can be used to characterize a wide range of sounds, from music or noise to someone's laughter or cry. The word is often used to add emphasis to the intensity of a sound, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, one might describe a fire alarm as sounding shriekingly loud, or a child's laughter as shriekingly joyful. Overall, shriekingly is a useful word for adding vividness and emphasis to descriptions of sound.
adverbIn a shrieking manner; extremely loudly or piercingly.
- In a manner characterized by or resembling a shriek; extremely loudly or piercingly.
- To a degree that is extremely loud or piercing.
"The fire alarm sounded shriekingly loud, startling everyone in the building."
"The feedback from the microphone was shriekingly loud, causing everyone to cover their ears."
"The wind howled shriekingly through the deserted streets at night."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shriekingly
The adverb shriekingly is derived from the verb shriek, which is itself derived from the Old English word 'screcian', meaning 'to cry out' or 'to scream'. The verb shriek has been used in English since the 14th century, and the adverb shriekingly has been used since the 17th century. The word is related to other English words such as scream and cry, and is also cognate with words in other Germanic languages, such as the Dutch word 'screuwen'.
Usage notes
This adverb is often used to emphasize the loudness or intensity of a sound, and can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing music or noise to characterizing someone's laughter or cry.