Etymology Map
Back to all words

Stentorian

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means very loud and powerful (of a voice)

Where does the word "stentorian" come from? It comes from Greek Stentōr, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
Stentōr
Greek · ancient
"Stentor (a herald)"
a herald in Homer's 'Iliad' whose voice was as loud as fifty men's
2
Stage 2 of 2
stentorian
English · 1600s
"very loud"
formed from his name for any booming voice
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Stentorian’s story begins in Greek: Stentōr meant “Stentor (a herald).” A herald in Homer's 'Iliad' whose voice was as loud as fifty men's. It reached English by 1600s as stentorian. Formed from his name for any booming voice. Today, stentorian means very loud and powerful (of a voice).