What does raucously mean?
Raucously is an adverb meaning in a loud, rough, or boisterous manner. It is especially appropriate for laughter, cheering, shouting, and other sounds that are forceful and energetic, often to the point of seeming disorderly or overwhelming. A crowd may laugh raucously, supporters may cheer raucously, or a child may play raucously in a park. The word is more vivid and characterful than simply saying loudly, because it suggests a harsh or unrestrained quality rather than merely a high volume. It can sometimes sound critical or humorous, especially when describing children’s behavior or a noisy public event. In formal writing, raucously is effective when the specific social or acoustic character of the noise matters.
adverbIn a loud, rough, or boisterous manner, especially with a harsh or unpleasant quality of sound.
- In a loud, rough, or boisterous manner.
"The crowd laughed raucously as the performer took the stage."
"Children played raucously in the garden while their parents talked on the porch."
"The singer was enthusiastically raucously received by the festival audience."
Raucously describes not merely loudness, but a rough, exuberant sound that demands attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of raucously
The adverb raucously derives from raucous, an adjective meaning rough-sounding, loud, or hoarse. The adjective comes through Old French from Latin raucus, a word associated with a hoarse or rough sound; the exact remote origin of the Latin term is uncertain. The adverbial suffix -ly was added in the usual English way to form an adverb from an adjective.
How raucously is actually used
Usually describes laughter, cheering, shouting, or noisy activity. It carries a rough, energetic, and often disorderly connotation.