Cacophonical

/ˌkækoʊˈfɑnɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Producing harsh, discordant, or unpleasant sounds; an alternative form of 'cacophonic' that emphasizes the quality of being unpleasant or clashing.

Etymology

From 'cacophonic' + the suffix '-al' (relating to); English sometimes allows double suffixes where '-ic' and '-al' can both create adjectives, though one form usually becomes preferred.

Kelly Says

English adjectives have multiple valid forms—'cacophonic' and 'cacophonical' are equally correct, but one eventually 'wins' as speakers prefer it, which is how 'historic' beat out 'historical' in some contexts while 'historical' dominates in others.

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