C1 adjective Formal

subclamious

/sʌbˈklæmiəs/

Describing a sound or environment that is moderately noisy or somewhat clamorous. It refers to a level of vocalization or background noise that is audible and potentially disruptive but falls short of a full, overwhelming clamor.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The subclamious atmosphere of the local coffee shop provided just enough background noise for her to work effectively.

The subclamious atmosphere of the local coffee shop provided just enough background noise for her to work effectively.

2

The chairman requested order as the subclamious murmurs of the committee members began to drown out the speaker.

The chairman requested order as the subclamious murmurs of the committee members began to drown out the speaker.

3

It got a bit subclamious in the living room once the kids started playing their board games.

It got a bit subclamious in the living room once the kids started playing their board games.

Word Family

Noun
subclamiousness
Adverb
subclamiously
Adjective
subclamious
Related
clamor
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'sub-' as meaning 'under' and 'clamor' as meaning 'noise.' It's a noise level that is just 'under' a full-blown clamor.

Quick Quiz

The library was usually silent, but today a __________ murmur came from the group of students studying in the corner.

Correct!

The correct answer is: subclamious

Examples

1

The subclamious atmosphere of the local coffee shop provided just enough background noise for her to work effectively.

everyday

The subclamious atmosphere of the local coffee shop provided just enough background noise for her to work effectively.

2

The chairman requested order as the subclamious murmurs of the committee members began to drown out the speaker.

formal

The chairman requested order as the subclamious murmurs of the committee members began to drown out the speaker.

3

It got a bit subclamious in the living room once the kids started playing their board games.

informal

It got a bit subclamious in the living room once the kids started playing their board games.

4

Researchers noted that subclamious auditory stimuli in the testing environment could skew the results of the concentration study.

academic

Researchers noted that subclamious auditory stimuli in the testing environment could skew the results of the concentration study.

5

The open-plan office remained subclamious throughout the afternoon, making it difficult for the accounting team to focus.

business

The open-plan office remained subclamious throughout the afternoon, making it difficult for the accounting team to focus.

Word Family

Noun
subclamiousness
Adverb
subclamiously
Adjective
subclamious
Related
clamor

Common Collocations

subclamious chatter subclamious chatter
subclamious environment subclamious environment
subclamious crowd subclamious crowd
subclamious background noise subclamious background noise
subclamious protest subclamious protest

Common Phrases

a subclamious roar

a subclamious roar

subclamious debate

subclamious debate

rising subclamious tones

rising subclamious tones

Often Confused With

subclamious vs clamorous

Clamorous implies a much louder, more insistent, and overwhelming noise, whereas subclamious is more moderate.

subclamious vs clammy

Clammy refers to a physical texture (cold and damp), while subclamious refers specifically to sound.

📝

Usage Notes

This word is most effective in descriptive writing or formal reports to specify a degree of noise that is notable but not extreme. It is an 'under-the-radar' word often found in high-level vocabulary assessments.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this word with 'clammy' due to the similar spelling, or they use it to mean 'silent' because of the 'sub-' prefix, wrongly assuming it means 'below audible.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'sub-' as meaning 'under' and 'clamor' as meaning 'noise.' It's a noise level that is just 'under' a full-blown clamor.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin prefix 'sub-' (under/slightly) and 'clamare' (to cry out or shout).

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective before nouns. Can be used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs.

Quick Quiz

The library was usually silent, but today a __________ murmur came from the group of students studying in the corner.

Correct!

The correct answer is: subclamious

Related Words

index

B2

To organize information into a systematic list or database for easy retrieval, typically at the end of a book or within a computer system. In economics, it refers to adjusting a value or price according to a specific standard, such as inflation or the cost of living.

induce

B2

To succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something. It also means to bring about or cause a specific physical condition or reaction to happen.

infer

B2

To reach a conclusion or form an opinion based on facts, evidence, or reasoning rather than on direct statements. It involves understanding a hidden meaning or 'reading between the lines' when information is not explicitly provided.

inhibit

B2

To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action or process from happening or developing. It is frequently used in scientific contexts to describe slowing down a chemical or biological reaction, as well as in psychology to describe the restraint of impulses.

initiate

B2

Describes someone who has been introduced to or instructed in a particular subject, group, or secret knowledge. It also refers to something that has been recently begun or is in an introductory stage.

inspect

B2

To examine something closely and officially to check its condition, quality, or compliance with standards. It involves a systematic and careful look to identify flaws or ensure everything is as it should be.

integrate

B2

To combine two or more things so that they work together effectively or become part of a whole. It also refers to the process of helping a person or group become part of a larger society or organization.

intrinsic

B2

Intrinsic refers to a quality or characteristic that is an essential and natural part of something. It describes properties that are inherent to an object or person, rather than being added or influenced by external forces.

invoke

B2

To call upon a spirit, a deity, or a person for help or inspiration. In legal and formal contexts, it means to cite a law, rule, or authority to support an argument or justify an action.

label

B2

To attach a tag or piece of information to an object to describe its contents or ownership. It also refers to the act of categorizing or describing someone or something in a specific, often oversimplified, way.

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