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B2 verb #8,000 most common 17 min read

blare

Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips blare in 30 Seconds

Explanation blare in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn English. You can think of 'blare' as a special word for 'very loud music' or 'a very loud car horn'. Imagine you are in a room and someone turns the radio up so high that it hurts your ears. That is 'blaring'. You might use it in a simple sentence like 'The music is blaring.' It is a word that helps you describe sounds that are not nice because they are too loud. You don't need to know all the fancy uses yet. Just remember that it is about a sound that is loud and maybe a little bit annoying. If you see a picture of a big speaker with sound waves coming out of it, that speaker is probably blaring. It is a good word to use when you want to say something is more than just 'loud'. It is 'super loud'. You can practice by saying 'The car horn blares' or 'The TV blares'. These are simple ways to use the word. Even at this early stage, knowing a word like 'blare' helps you express more specific feelings about the world around you. Instead of just saying 'I don't like the noise,' you can say 'The radio is blaring,' which is more precise. This is how you start building a better vocabulary. Keep it simple and focus on the idea of 'too much sound'.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'blare' to describe specific things you encounter every day. You know more words for objects now, so you can say 'The ambulance siren blares' or 'The alarm clock blares in the morning'. You are beginning to understand that 'blare' is usually for things like machines and instruments, not for people talking. If someone is talking very loudly, you would still use 'shout', but if they are using a loud radio, you use 'blare'. You can also use the word 'blaring' as an adjective. For example, 'I can't sleep because of the blaring music.' This helps you describe your environment better. You might also notice that 'blare' is often used when something is a bit annoying. It is not a 'happy' loud sound usually. It is the kind of sound that makes you want to cover your ears. When you are walking in a busy city, you can practice by identifying all the things that are blaring. The buses, the taxis, and the shops with music outside. This will help you remember the word. You can also start to use it in the past tense: 'Yesterday, the car horn blared at me.' This shows you are learning how to use the word in different types of sentences. It is a very useful word for talking about city life and modern technology.

As a B1 learner, you are becoming more comfortable with describing situations and feelings. You can use 'blare' to add more detail to your stories. Instead of just saying 'The music was loud,' you can say 'The music blared from the speakers, making it hard to have a conversation.' This gives the listener a better idea of the atmosphere. You are also starting to see 'blare' in news reports or books. You might read about 'blaring headlines' in a newspaper. This is a metaphorical use, meaning the headlines are very big and catch your attention immediately, just like a loud sound. You can also use 'blare' to show cause and effect. 'The fire alarm blared, so everyone ran outside.' This shows you understand how the word fits into a sequence of events. You should also be aware of common word partners, or collocations. For example, 'blare out' is very common. 'The radio blared out the latest hits.' You can also use adverbs like 'loudly' or 'constantly' with 'blare'. 'The siren blared constantly throughout the night.' This makes your English sound more natural and fluent. You are moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to use 'blare' to express intensity and intrusion in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'blare' and its nuances. You understand that 'blare' implies a certain harshness or lack of quality in the sound. It's not just about volume; it's about the intrusive nature of the noise. You can use it to describe social situations where noise is an issue, such as 'The neighbor's music blared until 3 AM, which was a clear violation of the noise ordinance.' You are also able to use the word transitively and intransitively with ease. You might write a sentence like, 'The loudspeakers blared a warning to the crowd,' or 'The trumpets blared as the procession began.' You are also more aware of the metaphorical applications. You can describe a 'blaring' color or a 'blaring' error in a document—something that is so obvious it 'screams' for attention. Your vocabulary is becoming more sophisticated, and you can choose 'blare' over 'blast' or 'roar' because you want to emphasize the piercing, brassy, or electronic quality of the sound. You understand that 'blare' is often associated with a sense of urgency or annoyance. In academic or professional writing, you might use it to describe the 'blaring' nature of modern advertising or media saturation. You are now using the word with precision and a sense of its emotional weight, which is a key characteristic of the B2 level.

At the C1 level, your use of 'blare' should be highly nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. You can use it to create vivid imagery in creative writing or to make sharp points in analytical essays. You might explore the psychological effects of a 'blaring' environment on urban dwellers, or analyze how 'blaring' political rhetoric can drown out reasoned debate. You are comfortable with the word's etymology and its historical shift from natural to mechanical sounds. You can use 'blare' in more abstract ways, such as 'the blaring inconsistencies in the witness's testimony', where the 'noise' is logical rather than auditory. Your understanding of collocations is deep; you know when to use 'discordant blare', 'unremitting blare', or 'the brassy blare of the brass section'. You can also use the word to describe sensory synesthesia, where a visual stimulus is so intense it feels like a physical sound. For example, 'The sunset blared across the horizon in shades of violent orange and red.' You are able to manipulate the word to suit different registers, from the informal complaints about a neighbor to formal critiques of media sensationalism. Your ability to use 'blare' effectively shows a high level of linguistic control and a deep appreciation for the expressive power of English verbs.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'blare' and can use it with the subtlety of a native speaker. You might use it in literary analysis to describe the 'cacophonous blare' of a modernistic setting, or in philosophical discussions about the 'blare of existence' in a hyper-connected world. You understand the word's full range of connotations, from the triumphant blare of a royal fanfare to the soul-crushing blare of an industrial factory. You can use it to create complex metaphors that bridge different sensory experiences, such as 'the blaring silence that followed his departure', where the absence of sound is so profound it has the same intrusive impact as a loud noise. Your command of the word allows you to use it in precisely the right context to evoke a specific emotional response in your audience. You might use it in a satirical piece to mock the 'blaring' self-importance of a public figure, or in a poignant poem to describe the 'blaring' memories of a traumatic event. At this level, 'blare' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit that you can use to craft sophisticated, persuasive, and evocative prose. You are aware of its every nuance, its history, and its potential for creative expansion, allowing you to use it with total confidence and flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

blare in 30 Seconds

Blare refers to a loud, harsh, and often intrusive sound produced by devices or instruments.
It is commonly associated with radios, sirens, horns, and trumpets in urban settings.
Metaphorically, it can describe visually intense things like bright headlines or neon signs.
The word usually implies an unpleasant or overwhelming auditory experience for the listener.

The word 'blare' is a powerful verb in the English language that specifically describes a sound that is not just loud, but also harsh, piercing, and often unwanted. When you think of the word 'blare', you should imagine a sound that cuts through the silence or overrides other sounds in a way that is intrusive. It is most commonly associated with electronic devices or brass instruments that are being played at an excessive volume. For instance, a radio in a busy market might blare music to attract customers, or a car horn might blare in a traffic jam to express the driver's frustration. The essence of 'blare' lies in its lack of subtlety; it is a sound that demands attention, whether you want to give it or not. In modern contexts, we often use 'blare' to describe the sensory overload of urban environments where sirens, advertisements, and machinery create a constant wall of noise that can be described as a collective blare.

Acoustic Quality: The sound is characterized by high amplitude and often a lack of harmonic richness, making it feel 'flat' or 'distorted' to the ear.
Intentionality: While some sounds blare accidentally, the word often implies a machine or person forcing a sound into a space, such as a loudspeaker or a trumpet player.
Emotional Response: Listeners typically find a blaring sound irritating, startling, or overwhelming, leading to a desire to turn it off or move away.

Historically, the word has roots that connect it to the natural sounds of animals, such as the bleating of sheep or the roaring of lions, but over centuries, it evolved to describe the artificial sounds of human civilization. In the 21st century, 'blare' has taken on a metaphorical meaning as well. We might say that a headline 'blares' a message across the front page of a newspaper, or that a brightly colored shirt 'blares' its presence in a room full of muted tones. This metaphorical use retains the core idea of the word: something that is impossible to ignore because of its intensity and lack of refinement. When a politician's scandals blare across the news cycle, it suggests a loud, constant, and perhaps annoying repetition of information that drowns out other important stories.

The emergency sirens began to blare throughout the city, signaling everyone to take immediate cover.

Furthermore, the word 'blare' is often used to describe the atmosphere of specific locations. At a carnival, you might hear music blaring from every ride, creating a chaotic but energetic environment. In contrast, in a quiet library, even the smallest blare from a misplaced cellphone can feel like a major violation of the peace. The word carries a sense of spatial dominance; a sound that blares fills the entire room or area, leaving no corner untouched by its vibrations. This is why it is so frequently paired with words like 'loudspeakers', 'horns', and 'trumpets'—objects designed to project sound over long distances and through thick crowds.

I could hear the television blaring from the apartment next door, making it impossible for me to concentrate on my book.

In a social sense, 'blaring' can also be a sign of a lack of consideration. When someone allows their music to blare in a public park, they are claiming the auditory space for themselves, often at the expense of others' comfort. This social dimension makes 'blare' a useful word in discussions about etiquette and public behavior. It suggests a certain aggressiveness or a total lack of awareness. Whether it is a car alarm blaring at three in the morning or a stadium announcer blaring scores to a crowd of thousands, the word captures the raw, unpolished power of sound in its most assertive form. It is a word that vibrates with energy and, more often than not, a bit of annoyance.

The trumpet player let out a long, brassy blare to start the jazz performance with a bang.

Heavy metal music was blaring from the garage where the teenagers were practicing their instruments.

The headlines blared the news of the unexpected election results across every television screen in the country.

Synonym Comparison: Unlike 'blast', which suggests a sudden explosion of sound, 'blare' often implies a continuous, sustained noise.

Using 'blare' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its specific connotations. As a verb, it can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object). When used intransitively, the focus is on the source of the sound itself. For example, 'The radio blared.' Here, the radio is the subject performing the action of making a loud noise. When used transitively, the verb takes an object that represents the specific sound or content being produced. For example, 'The radio blared the morning news.' In this case, 'the morning news' is the object being projected loudly. This distinction allows writers to emphasize either the source of the noise or the noise itself, depending on the needs of the narrative.

Intransitive Usage: Focuses on the source: 'The trumpets blared as the king entered the hall.'
Transitive Usage: Focuses on the content: 'The speakers blared a warning to the residents of the coastal town.'
Adjectival Form: Used as 'blaring': 'The blaring music kept the entire neighborhood awake until dawn.'

The word 'blare' is also frequently used in the present participle form, 'blaring', as an adjective to describe a noun. This is particularly common when discussing environmental noise. You might encounter 'blaring sirens', 'blaring horns', or 'blaring headlines'. In these instances, the word serves to immediately establish a mood of urgency, chaos, or annoyance. It is a highly sensory word that helps the reader 'hear' the scene. When writing, consider the impact you want to have on the reader's auditory imagination. If you want them to feel a sense of peace, avoid 'blare'. If you want them to feel the frantic energy of a city street, 'blare' is an excellent choice.

As soon as the alarm clock began to blare, Sarah hit the snooze button with a groan.

Another sophisticated way to use 'blare' is in metaphorical contexts, particularly regarding visual intensity or public announcements. While its primary sense is auditory, it can describe anything that is 'loud' in a non-sound sense. For example, 'The neon signs blared their messages into the night sky.' Here, the signs aren't making a sound, but their visual brightness and garishness have the same intrusive effect as a loud noise. Similarly, 'The newspaper headlines blared the scandal' implies that the news was presented in a way that was impossible to overlook. This metaphorical extension is common in journalism and creative writing to denote something that is ostentatious or aggressively presented.

The stadium speakers blared the national anthem, and the crowd stood in silence.

In terms of collocation, 'blare' is often paired with adverbs that emphasize the volume or the annoyance. You might see 'blare loudly', 'blare incessantly', or 'blare discordantly'. These pairings help to refine the exact nature of the sound. 'Incessantly' suggests a sound that won't stop, while 'discordantly' suggests a sound that is out of tune or particularly harsh. When using 'blare' in your own writing, think about the duration and the quality of the sound to choose the right accompanying words. This will make your descriptions more vivid and precise for your audience.

The ship's foghorn blared through the thick mist, warning other vessels of its presence.

The car horn blared repeatedly as the driver tried to get the attention of the person blocking the driveway.

During the festival, speakers blared traditional music that could be heard miles away.

Common Objects: Radios, televisions, sirens, horns, trumpets, loudspeakers, alarms, foghorns.

In daily life, the word 'blare' is most commonly encountered in urban and technological settings. If you live in a city, you are likely surrounded by sounds that blare. Traffic is a primary source; the aggressive blare of a taxi horn is a signature sound of places like New York or Mumbai. Emergency services also contribute significantly to the 'blare' of the city. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars are equipped with sirens specifically designed to blare at high decibels to ensure they can be heard over the general din of traffic and city life. In these contexts, the 'blare' is a functional, if annoying, necessity for public safety. It is a sound that demands that the world stop and pay attention, creating a temporary auditory priority in the environment.

In Public Spaces: Airports and train stations often have public address systems that blare announcements about delays, gate changes, or security protocols.
In Media: News broadcasts might use 'blaring' graphics or sound effects to introduce 'breaking news', attempting to capture the viewer's immediate focus.
In Entertainment: Concerts and music festivals are prime locations for blaring music, where the sheer volume is part of the sensory experience for the fans.

Another common place to 'hear' the concept of blaring is in literature and film. Writers use the word to create atmosphere. A noir novel might describe a saxophone blaring from a smoky jazz club, while a science fiction movie might feature a blaring alarm as a spaceship prepares for self-destruction. In these artistic contexts, 'blare' is a tool for building tension and immersion. It helps the audience feel the intensity of the moment. Furthermore, in the world of sports, the blare of the stadium horn at the end of a game or after a goal is a universal signal of triumph or conclusion. This sound is often accompanied by the cheering of the crowd, adding to the overall cacophony of the event.

The morning silence was broken by the sound of a neighbor's car alarm blaring for twenty minutes straight.

In modern digital culture, we also see 'blare' used in the context of social media and online content. A video that starts with a 'blaring' intro can be a reason for users to quickly scroll past or mute their devices. There is a growing awareness of 'audio clutter', and the word 'blare' is often used critically to describe content that is too loud or aggressive in its presentation. In technical discussions about audio engineering, 'blaring' might be used to describe a lack of dynamic range or excessive compression, where the sound is consistently loud without any quiet moments, leading to listener fatigue. This technical usage highlights that 'blare' is not just about volume, but also about the quality and consistency of the sound.

The loudspeaker blared instructions to the marathon runners as they approached the starting line.

Finally, the word appears frequently in news reports concerning political propaganda or public protests. In some countries, government-controlled speakers might blare patriotic music or official announcements in public squares. Conversely, protesters might use megaphones to blare their slogans and demands. In these situations, 'blare' carries a connotation of power and the struggle for influence over the public's attention. It is a word that sits at the intersection of sound, society, and politics, representing the forceful projection of a message into the ears of the masses. Whether it is a warning, a celebration, or an annoyance, the 'blare' is a fundamental part of the modern auditory experience.

In the middle of the night, the smoke detector began to blare, waking everyone in the house.

The radio blared the latest pop hits as we drove down the highway with the windows down.

The coach's whistle blared across the field, signaling the end of the grueling practice session.

Global Variations: In many Southeast Asian cities, the blare of motorbikes is a constant background noise, whereas in Nordic countries, noise pollution is often more strictly controlled.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'blare' with other verbs that describe sound, such as 'blast', 'flare', or 'bleat'. While 'blast' and 'blare' are similar in that they both describe loud noises, 'blast' usually refers to a sudden, explosive burst of sound (like a bomb or a sudden gust of wind), whereas 'blare' refers to a continuous, often electronic or brassy noise. For example, you would say a bomb 'blasted', but a radio 'blared'. Confusing these two can lead to awkward descriptions that don't quite capture the nature of the sound. Another common confusion is with the word 'flare'. 'Flare' is primarily a visual term, referring to a sudden burst of light or a widening of something (like nostrils). While 'blare' can be used metaphorically for light, 'flare' is never used for sound. Saying 'the radio flared' would be incorrect and confusing to a native speaker.

Blare vs. Blast: Blare is sustained and often mechanical; Blast is sudden and explosive.
Blare vs. Bleat: Bleat is the sound a sheep makes; Blare is much louder and usually refers to machines.
Blare vs. Flare: Blare is sound; Flare is light or physical expansion.

Another mistake involves the register and context of the word. 'Blare' is generally a negative or at least a neutral word. It is rarely used to describe something beautiful or pleasant. If you are describing a symphony orchestra playing a majestic piece, using 'blare' might imply that the music is too loud or unrefined. Instead, words like 'resonate', 'swell', or 'peal' would be more appropriate for a positive context. Using 'blare' inappropriately can inadvertently signal to the reader that the sound is annoying or low-quality. It's important to match the word to the intended emotional impact of the scene. If you want the reader to enjoy the sound, 'blare' is probably the wrong choice.

Incorrect: The birds began to blare their morning song. (Better: The birds began to chirp/sing their morning song.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the metaphorical use of 'blare'. While it can describe visual things like headlines or colors, it should not be overused. If every bright object in a story 'blares', the word loses its impact. It should be reserved for things that are truly aggressive in their presence. Additionally, ensure that the subject of the verb is capable of making a 'loud, harsh noise' or fits the metaphorical criteria. For instance, 'the sun blared' is a bit of a stretch; 'the sun beat down' or 'the sun glared' would be more standard. 'Blare' works best when there is a sense of 'announcement' or 'intrusion'.

Incorrect: The teacher blared at the students to be quiet. (Better: The teacher shouted/bellowed at the students.)

Finally, be careful with the prepositional use. 'Blare at' and 'blare out' are common. 'The radio blared out the news' is correct. 'The horn blared at me' is also correct. However, 'blare to' is less common and often sounds slightly off. Understanding these small prepositional nuances will help your English sound more natural. When in doubt, look at how the word is used in reputable news sources or literature to see the most common patterns. Practice using it in both its literal and metaphorical senses to fully master its range.

The neon sign blared its 'OPEN' message in a bright, flickering red light.

The television blared commercials for toys during the Saturday morning cartoon block.

The car's speakers blared bass-heavy music that made the windows vibrate.

Checklist for Use: Is the sound loud? Is it harsh? Is it from a machine or instrument? If yes, 'blare' is perfect.

To truly master the word 'blare', it is helpful to understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word in this family has a slightly different nuance that can change the meaning of a sentence. 'Blast' is perhaps the closest relative, but as mentioned before, it implies a suddenness and a forceful air pressure that 'blare' does not always have. 'Roar' is another similar word, but it is often used for more natural sounds, like the ocean or a lion, or for a deep, rumbling mechanical sound like an airplane engine. 'Blare' is higher pitched and more 'brassy' than a roar. If a sound is deep and low, 'roar' is better; if it is high and piercing, 'blare' is the winner.

Blare vs. Roar: 'Blare' is piercing and usually mechanical; 'Roar' is deep and often natural or heavy-duty machinery.
Blare vs. Shriek: 'Shriek' is a high-pitched, often human cry; 'Blare' is more sustained and often from an instrument or device.
Blare vs. Trumpet: 'Trumpet' can be a synonym when referring to the sound of an elephant or the instrument itself, but it can also mean to announce something proudly.

Other alternatives include 'toot', 'honk', and 'peal'. 'Toot' and 'honk' are much more specific to horns. A 'toot' is usually short and light, while a 'honk' is the standard sound of a car horn. A 'blare' of a horn is much longer and more aggressive than a simple honk. 'Peal' is typically used for bells or laughter and has a much more pleasant, ringing quality than the harsh 'blare'. If you are describing church bells on a Sunday morning, you would say they 'peal' across the valley. If you are describing a loud, annoying alarm, you would say it 'blares'. Choosing between these words allows you to fine-tune the sensory details of your writing.

The sirens blared, while the thunder roared in the distance, creating a terrifying symphony of sound.

In a metaphorical sense, 'blare' competes with words like 'broadcast', 'proclaim', and 'shout'. 'Broadcast' is neutral and refers to the act of spreading information. 'Proclaim' is more formal and often positive. 'Shout' is more personal. 'Blare' is the most aggressive and intrusive of these. If a newspaper 'blares' a headline, it is trying to shock or grab the reader's attention through sheer intensity. If it 'proclaims' a headline, it is making a formal announcement. The choice of word here tells the reader a lot about the source's intent and the writer's attitude toward the subject.

The radio blared the news, while the priest proclaimed the gospel from the pulpit.

Finally, consider the word 'noise' itself. 'Blare' is a specific type of noise. While all blaring is noise, not all noise is blaring. A 'hum' or a 'buzz' is a low-intensity noise. A 'clatter' is a sharp, percussive noise. By using 'blare', you are giving the reader a very specific auditory profile. This precision is what makes for great writing and clear communication. The more you understand the differences between these similar words, the better you will be able to describe the world around you in English.

The trumpet's blare was a stark contrast to the soft murmur of the audience.

The car horn's blare cut through the quiet afternoon like a knife.

The speakers blared the countdown to the new year, and the crowd went wild.

Summary of Alternatives: Blast (explosive), Roar (deep/natural), Honk (car horn), Peal (bells), Shriek (high human cry).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described animal sounds before it was adapted to describe the loud, mechanical noises of the industrial age.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /blɛə(r)/

US /blɛr/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

air bear care dare fair hair layer mare pair rare stair wear

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'blur' (/blɜːr/).
Pronouncing it like 'blair' but with a short 'a' sound (/blær/).
Confusing the vowel sound with 'bleat' (/bliːt/).
Adding an extra syllable at the end.
Failing to pronounce the 'r' in American English.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to understand in context but has metaphorical uses.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of transitive/intransitive patterns.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but vowel sound is key.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'blast' or 'bleat' if heard quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

loud noise sound radio horn

Learn Next

discordant cacophony resonance intrusive piercing

Advanced

strident stentorian vociferous clamorous obstreperous

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs

The radio blared (Intransitive). The radio blared music (Transitive).

Participles as Adjectives

The blaring siren was very loud.

Adverbial Modification

It blared incessantly throughout the night.

Gerunds after Verbs of Stopping

He stopped blaring the horn.

Prepositional Collocations

Music blared from the windows.

Examples by Level

The music is blaring.

Musikken dundrer.

Present continuous tense.

The car horn blares.

Bilhornet tuter høyt.

Simple present tense.

Stop the blaring radio!

Stopp den larmende radioen!

Adjectival use of 'blaring'.

The TV blares all day.

TV-en står på med høy lyd hele dagen.

Simple present with frequency adverb.

I hear a blare.

Jeg hører et høyt støt.

Noun usage.

The trumpets blare.

Trompetene gjaller.

Plural subject.

Don't let it blare.

Ikke la det bråke sånn.

Imperative negative.

The alarm blares now.

Alarmen uler nå.

Simple present with time adverb.

The ambulance siren blared as it passed.

Ambulansesirenen ulte da den kjørte forbi.

Past simple tense.

Why is your phone blaring music?

Hvorfor spiller telefonen din musikk så høyt?

Interrogative present continuous.

The blaring horns made me angry.

De larmende hornene gjorde meg sint.

Gerund as adjective.

The loudspeaker blared the news.

Høyttaleren ropte ut nyhetene.

Transitive use.

I can't hear you over the blaring TV.

Jeg hører deg ikke over den larmende TV-en.

Prepositional phrase.

The fire alarm blared suddenly.

Brannalarmen ulte plutselig.

Adverbial modification.

The radio blares every morning.

Radioen uler hver morgen.

Habitual action.

We heard the trumpets blare.

Vi hørte trompetene gjalle.

Bare infinitive after 'heard'.

The radio blared out the latest pop hits.

Radioen dundret ut de nyeste poplåtene.

Phrasal verb style 'blare out'.

She woke up to the blaring of the alarm.

Hun våknet til ulingen fra alarmen.

Noun form with definite article.

The headlines blared the news of the victory.

Overskriftene skrek ut nyheten om seieren.

Metaphorical transitive use.

I wish the music wasn't blaring so loudly.

Jeg skulle ønske musikken ikke dundret så høyt.

Subjunctive mood with 'wish'.

The stadium speakers blared the team's anthem.

Stadionhøyttalerne dundret ut lagets hymne.

Transitive past tense.

A car alarm was blaring in the street all night.

En bilalarm ulte i gata hele natten.

Past continuous tense.

The trumpet blare announced the start of the race.

Trompetstøtet kunngjorde starten på løpet.

Noun used as an object.

They let the music blare to attract customers.

De lot musikken dundre for å tiltrekke seg kunder.

Infinitive of purpose.

The television blared incessantly in the background.

TV-en dundret uopphørlig i bakgrunnen.

Adverbial modification with 'incessantly'.

The sirens blared, cutting through the quiet night air.

Sirenen ulte og skar gjennom den stille natteluften.

Participle phrase for description.

He ignored the blaring car horns and kept walking.

Han ignorerte de larmende bilhornene og fortsatte å gå.

Attributive adjective.

The announcement blared over the intercom system.

Kunngjøringen ljomet over calling-anlegget.

Prepositional phrase 'over the system'.

The neon signs blared their messages in bright colors.

Neonskiltene skrek ut sine budskap i sterke farger.

Visual metaphor.

I could hear the music blaring from the apartment above.

Jeg kunne høre musikken dundre fra leiligheten over.

Perception verb with participle.

The foghorn blared a warning to the nearby ships.

Tåkeluren ulte en advarsel til skipene i nærheten.

Transitive use with indirect object.

Stop blaring that horn; you're scaring the children!

Slutt å tute med det hornet; du skremmer barna!

Gerund after 'stop'.

The brassy blare of the trumpets dominated the overture.

Trompetenes metalliske gjalling dominerte overtyren.

Noun usage with descriptive adjective.

Propaganda blared from the speakers in the public square.

Propaganda dundret fra høyttalerne på torget.

Subject-verb-prepositional phrase.

The silence was shattered by the blare of a police siren.

Stillheten ble knust av ulingen fra en politisirene.

Passive voice with 'shattered'.

The tabloids blared the scandal across their front pages.

Tabloidavisene skrek ut skandalen over sine forsider.

Metaphorical use in journalism.

She found the blaring lights of the city overwhelming.

Hun fant byens skarpe lys overveldende.

Visual metaphor as adjective.

The music blared discordantly, lacking any sense of melody.

Musikken dundret disharmonisk, uten noen form for melodi.

Adverbial modification 'discordantly'.

Every station blared the same repetitive advertisements.

Hver stasjon dundret ut de samme repeterende reklamene.

Transitive use with 'every'.

The persistent blare of the alarm was beginning to grate on my nerves.

Den vedvarende ulingen fra alarmen begynte å tære på nervene mine.

Noun phrase as subject.

The cacophonous blare of the market was a sensory assault.

Markedets ulydige larm var et angrep på sansene.

Sophisticated noun phrase.

He sought refuge in the country, away from the blaring city.

Han søkte tilflukt på landet, bort fra den larmende byen.

Participle as attributive adjective.

The report blared the warning that time was running out.

Rapporten skrek ut advarselen om at tiden var i ferd med å renne ut.

Abstract metaphorical use.

The trumpets blared a final, triumphant note of defiance.

Trompetene gjallet en siste, triumferende tone av tross.

Transitive use with multiple adjectives.

The television's blare seemed to fill the hollow emptiness of the house.

TV-ens larm virket å fylle husets hule tomhet.

Possessive noun usage.

The air was thick with the blare of sirens and the smell of smoke.

Luften var tykk av sireneuling og lukten av røyk.

Parallelism in prepositional phrases.

The neon signs blared with a garish intensity that hurt the eyes.

Neonskiltene skrek med en grell intensitet som gjorde vondt i øynene.

Intransitive metaphorical use.

The loudspeakers blared propaganda, drowning out any dissident voices.

Høyttalerne dundret ut propaganda og druknet alle kritiske røster.

Participial phrase showing consequence.

Synonyms

blast roar boom thunder trumpet clamor

Antonyms

whisper murmur hum

Common Collocations

blare out

blare loudly

blare incessantly

blaring horn

blaring music

blaring headline

blaring siren

blare from

blare across

discordant blare

Common Phrases

blaring headlines

— Large, bold news titles designed to shock or grab attention.

The blaring headlines dominated the newsstands.

blaring sirens

— The loud, warning sounds made by emergency vehicles.

The blaring sirens signaled an ambulance was near.

blaring music

— Music played at an excessively high and often distorted volume.

I can't study with that blaring music next door.

blaring horns

— The sound of many car horns being used aggressively in traffic.

The city was filled with the sound of blaring horns.

blaring lights

— A metaphorical use for extremely bright or garish lighting.

The blaring lights of the casino were dizzying.

blare out a warning

— To project a loud alert to a large group of people.

The speakers blared out a warning about the storm.

the blare of trumpets

— The loud, brassy sound produced by a group of trumpets.

The ceremony began with the blare of trumpets.

blare incessantly

— To make a loud noise that does not stop.

The alarm blared incessantly until it was fixed.

blare discordantly

— To make a loud noise that is out of tune or harsh.

The amateur band blared discordantly in the garage.

blaring colors

— A metaphorical use for very bright, clashing colors.

She wore a dress with blaring colors to the party.

Often Confused With

blare vs blast

Blast is usually a single, explosive sound, while blare is sustained.

blare vs flare

Flare is a light or a physical widening, not a sound.

blare vs bleat

Bleat is the sound of a sheep; blare is much louder and mechanical.

Idioms & Expressions

"blare it out"

— To announce something very loudly or publicly.

He decided to blare it out to the whole office.

informal

"blaringly obvious"

— Something that is extremely clear and impossible to miss.

The mistake in the report was blaringly obvious.

neutral

"a blare of publicity"

— A sudden and intense amount of media attention.

The product was launched with a blare of publicity.

journalistic

"blare one's own horn"

— A variation of 'blow one's own horn', meaning to praise oneself loudly.

He's always blaring his own horn about his success.

informal

"the blare of the crowd"

— The collective loud noise made by a large group of people.

The athlete loved the blare of the crowd.

literary

"blaring truth"

— A truth that is undeniable and forcefully presented.

The blaring truth was that the project had failed.

metaphorical

"blare like a foghorn"

— To speak or make noise in an extremely loud and deep manner.

His voice blared like a foghorn in the small room.

descriptive

"blaring silence"

— An oxymoron describing a silence so intense it feels loud.

The blaring silence after the argument was heavy.

literary

"blare the house down"

— To make so much noise that it feels like the building is shaking.

They were blaring the house down with their party.

informal

"blaring neon"

— A common phrase for the aggressive visual nature of neon signs.

The city was a maze of blaring neon.

descriptive

Easily Confused

blare vs blast

Both mean loud noise.

Blast is sudden and forceful; blare is continuous and harsh.

The cannon blasted once, but the radio blared all day.

blare vs glare

Similar sound and both imply harshness.

Glare is for light or looks; blare is for sound.

The sun's glare was as annoying as the radio's blare.

blare vs bellow

Both mean loud noise.

Bellow is usually a deep human or animal cry; blare is mechanical or brassy.

The man bellowed at the blaring radio.

blare vs peal

Both refer to loud sounds.

Peal is pleasant (bells/laughter); blare is unpleasant.

The bells pealed while the horns blared.

blare vs shriek

Both are piercing sounds.

Shriek is higher pitched and usually from a throat; blare is from a device.

She shrieked when the alarm blared.

Sentence Patterns

The [noun] is blaring.

The radio is blaring.

The [noun] blared [adverb].

The horn blared loudly.

[Noun] blared out [object].

The speakers blared out the news.

I heard the [noun] blaring from [location].

I heard the music blaring from the car.

The [adjective] blare of [noun] [verb].

The brassy blare of trumpets filled the hall.

[Metaphorical subject] blared across [location].

The headlines blared across the front pages.

Stop blaring that [noun]!

Stop blaring that horn!

The [noun] blared, [participle phrase].

The siren blared, waking the whole town.

Word Family

Nouns

blare

Verbs

blare

Adjectives

blaring

blast

bleat

flare

glare

wail

How to Use It

frequency

Common in urban descriptions and news reporting.

Common Mistakes

The birds blared in the trees. → The birds chirped in the trees.
'Blare' is for harsh, mechanical sounds, not for pleasant animal sounds like birdsong.
I flared the radio. → I blared the radio.
'Flare' is for light; 'blare' is for sound. They are often confused due to their similar spelling.
The bomb blared loudly. → The bomb blasted loudly.
'Blare' is for sustained noise, while 'blast' is for a sudden explosion.
He blared at me to stop. → He shouted at me to stop.
People don't 'blare' unless they are using a megaphone; use 'shout' or 'yell' for human voices.
The music blared beautifully. → The music resonated beautifully.
'Blare' usually has a negative connotation of being harsh; it shouldn't be used with 'beautifully'.

Tips

Choose the Right Loudness

Use 'blare' when the sound is not just loud, but also has a harsh, mechanical, or piercing quality that makes it intrusive.

Metaphorical Flair

Try using 'blare' to describe bright lights or bold headlines to add a sensory layer to your descriptions of visual intensity.

Transitive Power

Remember that you can blare 'something' (transitive) or something can just 'blare' (intransitive). Both are perfectly correct.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'blare' for every loud sound. Reserve it for sounds that are genuinely annoying or brassy to keep its impact strong.

Social Context

Using 'blare' often carries a complaint. If you say 'the music was blaring,' you are usually implying that you wanted it to be quieter.

Blare vs. Blast

If the sound is a sudden explosion, use 'blast'. If it is a long, annoying noise, use 'blare'.

Urban Settings

'Blare' is the perfect word for describing the noise of a busy city street, full of horns and sirens.

Identify the Source

When you hear the word 'blare', look for a radio, a horn, a trumpet, or a siren as the source of the sound.

The Air of Blare

Remember that 'blare' is like 'air' being forced through a horn very loudly. This helps with both meaning and pronunciation.

Animal Roots

Knowing that 'blare' comes from animal cries can help you remember its raw, unrefined, and loud nature.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Blaring' 'Flare'. A flare is a bright light that screams for attention, and a blare is a loud sound that does the same.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red trumpet with giant sound waves coming out of it, knocking over a chair. That is a blare.

Word Web

loud harsh radio horn trumpet siren annoying intrusive

Challenge

Try to use 'blare' in three different sentences today: one about a car, one about music, and one about a headline.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle English 'bleren', which is related to Middle Dutch 'blēren' meaning 'to bleat' or 'to cry'. It has been part of the English language since the late 14th century.

Original meaning: To make a loud, crying noise, similar to the sound made by a sheep or a goat.

Germanic (West Germanic branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'blare' to describe cultural music, as it might be perceived as calling the music 'harsh' or 'unpleasant'.

Commonly used to complain about neighbors or city noise.

The Great Gatsby (mentions of horns) 1984 (loudspeakers) Blade Runner (neon and noise)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic

blaring horns
traffic noise
stuck in a jam
honking and blaring

Home life

blaring television
noisy neighbors
alarm clock blaring
stereo volume

Emergency

sirens blaring
emergency warning
evacuation order
police car blare

Music

trumpet blare
loudspeakers blaring
concert volume
brassy sound

Media

blaring headlines
news flash
sensationalism
advertising blare

Conversation Starters

"Does the sound of blaring music from your neighbors ever bother you?"

"What is the most annoying blaring sound you hear in your city?"

"Do you think blaring headlines in the news are helpful or just distracting?"

"Have you ever been woken up by a blaring car alarm in the middle of the night?"

"When you hear trumpets blare, what kind of event do you usually imagine?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when a blaring sound changed the mood of a situation you were in.

Write about the auditory landscape of a busy city using the word 'blare' at least three times.

How does a blaring noise affect your ability to concentrate or relax?

Reflect on the metaphorical 'blare' of modern social media. Is it too loud?

Create a short story that begins with the sound of a foghorn blaring in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. Humans shout, yell, or bellow. A person only 'blares' if they are using a device like a megaphone or playing a trumpet very loudly.

Most of the time, yes. It implies the sound is harsh or annoying. However, in music, a 'trumpet blare' can be neutral or even triumphant.

A honk is a short sound from a car horn. A blare is a long, sustained, and more aggressive sound from the same horn.

Yes, metaphorically. 'Blaring colors' are very bright, loud, and perhaps clashing colors that demand attention.

Yes, it is a CEFR B2 level word, meaning it is commonly used by intermediate to advanced English speakers, especially in cities.

It refers to news headlines that are printed in very large, bold letters to catch people's attention, often for sensational news.

No, 'roar' or 'thunder' would be better. 'Blare' is almost always for artificial or mechanical sounds.

Yes, it is the present participle of the verb and is frequently used as an adjective, as in 'blaring music'.

The past tense is 'blared'. For example: 'The siren blared for ten minutes.'

It rhymes with 'care' and 'hair'. It is a single syllable with a long 'air' sound.