What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrillness
Example
The singer's shrillness was so intense that it hurt my ears. [shrillness: noun]
Example
She spoke with a shrillness that made me want to cover my ears. [shrillness: noun]
harshness
Example
The harshness of the sandpaper made it difficult to smooth out the wood. [harshness: noun]
Example
His harshness towards his employees made them feel demotivated and unappreciated. [harshness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harshness is more commonly used than shrillness in everyday language. Harshness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shrillness is less common and often associated with a specific type of sound or voice.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shrillness and harshness?
Both shrillness and harshness are typically associated with informal or negative tones. However, harshness can be used in more formal contexts, such as describing a critical review or analysis.
