jarring
jarring — adjective
- jarringpositive
- more jarringcomparative
- most jarringsuperlative
1. describes something you see, hear, or experience that feels suddenly wrong or ou
describes something you see, hear, or experience that feels suddenly wrong or out of place because it contrasts sharply with what you expect or what surrounds it.
The modern glass building looked jarring next to the old stone houses of the village.
jarring next to [something] — contrasting surroundings
A loud car horn broke the quiet of the morning with a jarring noise.
Chidi found the change from his slow hometown to the fast city life deeply jarring.
The bright red curtains seemed jarring in the soft, pale room.
It was jarring to see Selim in a suit while everyone else wore shorts.
- discordant
more specific to sound and music; less common in everyday speech about general experiences
- incongruous
more formal; emphasises the mismatch rather than the unpleasant feeling it creates
- clashing
more informal; can refer to colours, styles, or opinions
- harmonious
things fit together smoothly and naturally
- consistent
expected and fitting within the context
文法句型
jarring + noun
be/seem/look/find + jarring
jarring + to/next to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in descriptions of sensory experience — something you see, hear, or feel that clashes with its surroundings. Often followed by 'next to' or 'to' to name the contrasting element.
常見錯誤
2. describes something that is inappropriate for a particular situation, making it
describes something that is inappropriate for a particular situation, making it feel wrong or unsuitable — for example, making a joke at a serious ceremony.
His jarring comment about money during the funeral upset several people.
jarring comment — inappropriate remark in a solemn setting
Ritu thought the casual music was jarring at the formal award ceremony.
A jarring note of humour in an otherwise serious speech confused the audience.
The teacher found the student's loud laughter jarring during the quiet exam.
- inappropriate
more direct and common in everyday use; less strong in tone than jarring
- unsuitable
neutral; describes something not right for the purpose without implying offence
- appropriate
fitting and correct for the situation
文法句型
jarring + noun
be/seem/find + jarring
jarring + at/in/for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often describes remarks, behaviour, tone, or style that clashes with the expected mood of a setting. Less common for physical objects — use sense 1 for that.
常見錯誤
3. describes a physical movement or force that causes the body or an object to shak
describes a physical movement or force that causes the body or an object to shake or jolt suddenly and strongly.
A large hole in the road sent a jarring jolt through the bus.
jarring movement — a physical jolt from an external force
A jarring stop threw the boxes off the back of the truck.
The earthquake sent a jarring shake through the whole building.
Hana woke up to the jarring vibration of her phone on the wooden table.
- smooth
without sudden movement or jolts
文法句型
jarring + noun (movement, stop, shake, vibration)
be/feel + jarring
用法筆記
Describes physical motion only — a sudden jerk, hard shake, or abrupt stop. Not used for metaphorical or emotional shock (use sense 1 for that).