Greek #4

Greek #4

Root: PHON

Meaning: sound

Words:

1. euphonic (adj) (eu- = good, well): good sounding

While many people might point to a particular piece of music that they find to be especially euphonic, a sentence something like, “Here, have this large piece of good-quality, dark chocolate that’s shockingly low in calories!” might be the most euphonic thing I could ever hear.

2. cacophony (n) (caco- = bad): bad sounding, discordance

When the three small people and LCB decide to all talk simultaneously, the result is often a cacophony of words. Given the frequency of this, I take comfort in the fact that I can step out onto my deck and let the waves drown out the sound. It’s the small pleasures in life, really.

3. aphonic (adj) (a- = not, without): without sound or voice

I can’t even imagine what life would be like around here if LCB were suddenly struck with aphony. If I had married the strong, silent type, it’d be one thing. As that clearly is not the case, a suddenly aphonic household during the day when the kids are off at school is more than I can imagine. And I have a good imagination.

Note: When I showed the aphonic sentences to LCB, he readily concurred with almost everything, but he balked at the use of the word “strong” within the phrase “strong, silent type.” So let it be noted, for the record, that while my husband is not the silent part of the “strong, silent type” stereotype, he is in fact strong. And I am not, for the record, being compensated for confirming his strength. But I would like to be.