(~er, ~est)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If a noise is ~, the level of sound is very high and it can be easily heard. Someone or something that is ~ produces a lot of noise.
Suddenly there was a ~ bang...
His voice became harsh and ~...
The band was starting to play a fast, ~ number.
...amazingly ~ discos.
? quiet
ADJ
•
Loud is also an adverb.
She wonders whether Paul’s hearing is OK because he turns the television up very ~.
ADV: ADV after v
~ly
His footsteps echoed ~ly in the tiled hall.
ADV: ADV with v
~ness
The students began to enter the classroom and Anna was startled at their ~ness.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If someone is ~ in their support for or criticism of something, they express their opinion very often and in a very strong way.
Mr Adams’ speech yesterday was very ~ in condemnation of the media...
Mr Jones received ~ support from his local community.
ADJ: oft ADJ in n/-ing
~ly
Mac talked ~ly in favour of the good works done by the Church.
ADV: ADV with v
3.
If you describe something, especially a piece of clothing, as ~, you dislike it because it has very bright colours or very large, bold patterns which look unpleasant.
He liked to shock with his gold chains and ~ clothes...
= garish
ADJ disapproval
4.
If you tell someone something ~ and clear, you are very easily understood, either because your voice is very clear or because you express yourself very clearly.
Lisa’s voice comes through ~ and clear...
The message is a powerful one, and I hope it will be heard ~ and clear by the tobacco industry.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v
5.
If you say or read something out ~, you say it or read it so that it can be heard, rather than just thinking it.
Even Ford, who seldom smiled, laughed out ~ a few times...
He began to read out ~.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v
6.
for crying out ~: see cry