Cacophony is a noun that not only paints a picture of jarring, harsh, or extremely loud sounds but also finds its place in describing a blend of confusing or chaotic elements, like colors or activity.
Like many English words, cacophony is derived from a Greek word meaning bad or harsh sound. Because the word is pronounced with two “k” sounds, some consider it cacophonous (illustrating the adjective form of the word.)
“The flock of birds emitted a cacophony of squawks as it passed overhead.”
“Cattle drives are famous for dusty and dry journeys filled with a cacophony of moos from the cattle as they meander across the trail.”
“Both political parties now bring forward a cacophony of incoherent policies, punitive to opponents, and not in the country’s best interest.”
Ostentatious is used to evoke the impression of vanity, gaudiness, conspicuousness, or an outward display of wealth and privilege. The word often means to give an outward or visible display of things that are cheap or in bad taste.
Unfortunately, in our modern world, where social media prevails, ostentatiousness is the order of the day for many of our youth. They are taught that idiotic behavior gathers praise from strange and far-off corners of the globe. In this fake world, form has greater value than substance. Learning to create the best “selfie” is not a skill; it is the perfection of the absurd.
“Government buildings are often ostentatious in an attempt to make them appear authoritative and important.”
“George displayed his collection of vintage cars in an ostentatious show of wealth.”
“Movie stars often display expensive and ostentatious jewelry in a futile attempt to impress others.”
Of course, these two words can be combined into a single sentence.
“The ostentatious display of neon signs created a quaking cacophony of color, sound, and confusion in the hurrying downtown streets.”
