Bray

To utter a loud, harsh cry, typically associated with a donkey, but also sometimes used to describe the sounds made by other animals or humans. This sound is characterized by its prolonged duration and raucous quality. Figuratively, 'bray' can also describe the act of making a loud, boisterous, and often unwelcome noise, or to speak or express something loudly or coarsely. It is a sound that commands attention, but often in an unpleasant or jarring way. The intensity and repetitive nature are key characteristics of this auditory phenomenon. The term implies a lack of refinement and can be seen as both humorous and irritating depending on context.

Bray meaning with examples

• The donkey, startled by the sudden clap of thunder, let out a piercing bray that echoed across the valley. The sound was so loud it startled all the nearby sheep and cows. It was a raw, animalistic cry that expressed pure, unadulterated fear of a storm which was about to hit. The sound continued for a solid minute.
• From the neighboring field came the incessant bray of a donkey, a constant backdrop to the otherwise quiet afternoon. I couldn't concentrate, I felt like I was losing my mind. It’s rhythmic, and irritating sound pierced my ears, breaking the peace. The bray was both a melodic and a violent sound, like a scream.
• The comedian, known for his off-color jokes, would bray with laughter at his own punchlines, much to the audience's mixed reactions. Some found it endearing, others obnoxious. His hearty bray, boomed through the microphone, shaking the whole venue. Every joke was punctuated by his signature cackle.
• The construction workers, energized by their lunch break, began to bray enthusiastically, laughing and shouting at each other. This noise carried, disrupting the peace of the neighborhood. The cacophony was at least pleasant to the ears, in comparison to the bray of the donkeys in the area.
• The politician, attempting to drown out his opponent's arguments, began to bray loudly, interrupting the debate. He was shouting, and his voice was grating and abrasive. He brayed his opinions like a trumpet of war. The audience was very taken aback by his crass and uncouth behaviour.