stentorian

WOTD – 10 March 2007    

English

Etymology

From Stentor, from Ancient Greek Στέντωρ (Stentōr) + -ian. Stentor was the herald of the Greek forces in the Iliad, noted for his loud voice.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /stɛnˈtɔː.ri.ən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

stentorian (comparative more stentorian, superlative most stentorian)

1. (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!"

Translations

of a voice suitable for giving speeches to large crowds

• Ancient Greek: Στεντόρειος (Stentoreios)
• Polish: tubalny m

• Serbo-Croatian: gromoglasan m