Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - loud

(louder, loudest) Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English. 1. If a noise is loud, the level of sound is very high and it can be easily heard. Someone or something that is loud produces a lot of noise. Suddenly there was a loud bang... His voice became harsh and loud... The band was starting to play a fast, loud number. ...amazingly loud discos. ? quiet ADJ • Loud is also an adverb. She wonders whether Paul’s hearing is OK because he turns the television up very loud. ADV: ADV after v • loudly His footsteps echoed loudly in the tiled hall. ADV: ADV with v • loudness The students began to enter the classroom and Anna was startled at their loudness. N-UNCOUNT 2. If someone is loud in their support for or criticism of something, they express their opinion very often and in a very strong way. Mr Adams’ speech yesterday was very loud in condemnation of the media... Mr Jones received loud support from his local community. ADJ: oft ADJ in n/-ing • loudly Mac talked loudly in favour of the good works done by the Church. ADV: ADV with v 3. If you describe something, especially a piece of clothing, as loud, you dislike it because it has very bright colours or very large, bold patterns which look unpleasant. He liked to shock with his gold chains and loud clothes... = garish ADJ c darkgreen]disapproval 4. If you tell someone something loud and clear, you are very easily understood, either because your voice is very clear or because you express yourself very clearly. Lisa’s voice comes through loud and clear... The message is a powerful one, and I hope it will be heard loud and clear by the tobacco industry. PHRASE: usu PHR after v 5. If you say or read something out loud, you say it or read it so that it can be heard, rather than just thinking it. Even Ford, who seldom smiled, laughed out loud a few times... He began to read out loud. PHRASE: usu PHR after v 6. for crying out loud: see cry