Question:
Choose the option that correctly identifies the meaning of the word: CACOPHONY
Choose the option that correctly identifies the meaning of the word: CACOPHONY
Show Hint
1. Remember that the prefix "caco-" always means bad or harsh (e.g., cacography means bad handwriting).
2. The opposite prefix "eu-" always means good or pleasing (e.g., euphony means pleasant sound). This root-word technique makes vocabulary questions much easier to solve.
2. The opposite prefix "eu-" always means good or pleasing (e.g., euphony means pleasant sound). This root-word technique makes vocabulary questions much easier to solve.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
- A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
- A beautiful, harmonious melody
- A state of complete and total silence
- A soft whisper or gentle murmur
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
1. This is a vocabulary question asking us to identify the correct definition of the noun "Cacophony".
2. We can determine the meaning of this word by breaking it down into its Greek linguistic roots.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Firstly, let us break the word "Cacophony" into its etymological roots:
- "Caco-" comes from the Greek word *kakos*, which means "bad", "harsh", "unpleasant", or "evil".
- "-phony" comes from the Greek word *phone*, which means "sound", "voice", or "tone" (as in telephone, symphony, homophone).
- Combining these roots, "cacophony" literally translates to "bad/harsh sound".
2. Secondly, the formal English definition of "cacophony" is a harsh, discordant, loud, and jarring mixture of sounds that is unpleasant to hear. An example would be the noise of busy city traffic with horns honking and construction drilling.
3. Thirdly, let us analyze why other options are incorrect:
- Option (B) "A beautiful, harmonious melody" is the exact opposite of a cacophony. The correct word for this is "euphony" (where "eu-" means good) or "harmony".
- Option (C) "A state of complete and total silence" is unrelated to sound mixtures. The words for this are "quietude", "silence", or "stillness".
- Option (D) "A soft whisper or gentle murmur" describes quiet, gentle sounds, which is the opposite of a loud, jarring cacophony. The word for this is "susurrus" or "murmur".
Step 3: Final Answer:
1. The correct definition of "cacophony" is a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
2. This matches Option (A).
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