Bellow vs. Sigh: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Bellow refers to a loud, deep, and often angry roar, while a sigh is a quiet, long, and deep breath, typically expressing sadness, relief, or frustration.
Key Differences
Bellow and sigh are two distinct vocal expressions, differing significantly in volume, tone, and the emotions they convey. A bellow is a loud, deep, and robust vocalization, often indicative of anger, frustration, or a demand for attention. It is associated with strength and power, often portraying dominance or a proclamation. This vocalization is assertive, commonly used to express strong emotions, reprimand, or alert, and it can be associated with both humans and animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
On the contrary, a sigh is a subtle, usually quiet exhalation that is elongated and often portrays emotions like sadness, relief, frustration, or contemplation. It is usually a spontaneous expression, resulting from internal feelings, thoughts, or reactions. Sighs are typically associated with a sense of resignation or relief and are subtle, conveying a more reflective or contemplative emotional state.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
The intentions behind a bellow and a sigh are markedly different. Bellows are often intentional and focused, aiming to convey a clear and robust message or command. They are purposeful vocalizations, usually seeking to assert influence, command attention, or express strong displeasure. In contrast, sighs are usually more involuntary, expressive of internal states, and are not typically meant to command attention or influence others. They are reflective and personal, often portraying a release of pent-up emotions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
The contexts in which one would bellow or sigh are usually distinct. A bellow might be used in situations of conflict, command, or extreme frustration, where clear and assertive communication is needed. Meanwhile, a sigh might arise in moments of reflection, relief, resignation, or subtle frustration, serving as a non-verbal expression of internal emotional states.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A loud, deep, often angry vocalization.
A quiet, long, deep breath, usually expressing emotion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Emotion Conveyed
Anger, frustration, dominance.
Sadness, relief, frustration, contemplation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Intention
Intentional, seeking to command attention or express strong emotions.
Usually involuntary, expressive of internal emotional states.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Context
Situations of conflict, command, or extreme frustration.
Moments of reflection, relief, or resignation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Bellow and Sigh Definitions
Bellow
It is a vocal expression of strong emotions or commands.
He let out a bellow of frustration when the team lost.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
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Sigh
A sigh is a long, deep breath typically expressing sadness, relief, or frustration.
She let out a sigh of relief after finishing the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Bellow
In literature, bellow can symbolize an authoritative or dominating proclamation.
The king’s bellow resonated through the silent hall, proclaiming his decree.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Sigh
It's a quiet, subtle vocalization, often reflective or contemplative.
A soft sigh escaped him as he recalled the past events.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Bellow
Bellow can also refer to the loud, roaring sound made by large animals.
The lion’s bellow could be heard miles away, asserting his territory.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Sigh
Sigh can represent a spontaneous expression of internal emotional states.
He sighed in frustration when he realized his mistake.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Bellow
Bellow can represent a strong, resonant sound expressing displeasure.
The crowd’s bellow of disappointment was deafening.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Bellow
Bellow is a loud, deep roar, typically conveying anger or demand.
The coach’s bellow echoed across the field, demanding attention.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Sigh
(intransitive) To inhale a larger quantity of air than usual, and immediately expel it; to make a deep single audible respiration, especially as the result or involuntary expression of fatigue, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, frustration, or the like.
When she saw it wasn't damaged, she sighed with relief.
He sighed. It was going to be a long night.
He sighed over the lost opportunity.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
(transitive) To exhale (the breath) in sighs.
She sighed a sigh that was nearly a groan.
Sigh a note and sing a note
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
(transitive) To express by sighs; to utter in or with sighs.
"I guess I have no choice," she sighed.
She sighed her frustrations.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Bellow
To roar; as the sea in a tempest, or as the wind when violent; to make a loud, hollow, continued sound.
The bellowing voice of boiling seas.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
A deep, prolonged audible inhale and exhale of breath; as when fatigued, frustrated, grieved, or relieved; the act of sighing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Bellow
A very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal);
His bellow filled the hallway
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
An expression of fatigue, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, frustration, or the like, often used in casual written contexts.
Sigh, I'm so bored at work today.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
To inhale a larger quantity of air than usual, and immediately expel it; to make a deep single audible respiration, especially as the result or involuntary expression of fatigue, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
To make a sound like sighing.
And the coming wind did roar more loud,And the sails did sigh like sedge.
The winter winds are wearily sighing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
To utter sighs over; to lament or mourn over.
Ages to come, and men unborn,Shall bless her name, and sigh her fate.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
To express by sighs; to utter in or with sighs.
They . . . sighed forth proverbs.
The gentle swain . . . sighs back her grief.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
A deep and prolonged audible inspiration or respiration of air, as when fatigued or grieved; the act of sighing.
I could drive the boat with my sighs.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
Figuratively, a manifestation of grief; a lan ent.
With their sighs the airFrequenting, sent from hearts contrite.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
A sound like a person sighing;
She heard the sigh of the wind in the trees
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 30, 2023
Sigh
In literature, a sigh can symbolize a moment of pause or resignation.
A sigh hung in the air, symbolizing his resignation to fate.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Sigh
Sigh is also an expression of subtle emotional release or venting.
She sighed, releasing the pent-up emotions of the day.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Can Bellow be used to describe sounds from animals?
Yes, bellow is often used to describe the loud, resonant sounds made by large animals like lions or cows.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is Bellow always angry?
While bellows are often associated with anger or frustration, they can also convey other strong emotions or commands.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is a Sigh always quiet?
While sighs are typically quiet and subtle, they can occasionally be audible, expressing intense emotion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can a Sigh be deliberate?
While usually spontaneous, sighs can also be deliberate, emphasizing feelings or drawing attention to one’s emotional state.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can Bellow represent a demand?
Yes, a bellow can often represent a demand or command, seeking compliance or attention.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
What does Bellow signify?
Bellow signifies a loud, deep, and often angry vocalization, typically conveying strong emotions or commands.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
How is a Sigh typically expressed?
A sigh is typically a quiet, long, deep breath, expressing emotions like sadness, relief, or frustration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can a Sigh be of happiness?
Yes, sighs can also express relief, contentment, or happiness, depending on the context.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Can Bellow be unintentional?
Bellows are usually intentional, conveying clear and assertive messages or commands.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Are Bellows always loud?
Bellows are characteristically loud and robust, designed to command attention or express strong emotions.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is a Sigh always reflective of sadness?
No, a sigh can express a range of emotions including relief, frustration, contentment, or resignation.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Can one Sigh out of annoyance?
Absolutely, sighs can often be expressions of annoyance or frustration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can Sigh symbolize relief?
Yes, a sigh is often used to symbolize relief or a release of tension.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Can the context alter the meaning of Bellow and Sigh?
Absolutely, the meaning of both bellow and sigh can significantly vary depending on the context in which they are used.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Is Bellow used in literature?
Yes, bellow is used in literature to symbolize strong, authoritative proclamations or expressions of strong emotions.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
