Deafeningly

/ˈdɛfənɪŋli/ adverb

Definition

In a manner so loud or overwhelming that it nearly or completely prevents hearing; extremely loudly.

Etymology

From 'deafening' (adjective) + '-ly' suffix converting adjectives to adverbs. The base comes from the verb 'deafen' with '-ing' to make an adjective.

Kelly Says

'Deafeningly quiet' is a brilliant oxymoron in English—the word itself is so associated with overwhelming volume that describing silence as 'deafeningly quiet' means an absence so complete it's almost shocking!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.