Roaring vs. Loud: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
Roaring implies a deep, powerful, often continuous sound, whereas loud refers to high volume but doesn't specify the nature or quality of the sound.
Key Differences
Roaring is often used to describe a specific type of loudness that has a sustained, powerful quality, like the roar of a lion or an engine. Loud, however, is a more general term that simply means a high volume, irrespective of the specific type of sound being produced.
The word roaring typically conveys a level of intensity or forcefulness in the sound. It's a word that often evokes an emotional response or suggests a dramatic situation. Loud, on the other hand, is more neutral and descriptive, focusing solely on the amplitude or volume of a sound.
Roaring can often imply a form of approval or excitement, as in a "roaring applause" or "roaring success." Loud does not inherently contain this positive or negative connotation; it merely describes the level of noise or sound.
When describing a sound, roaring would often suggest that the noise fills the environment and dominates the auditory space. Loud does not necessarily suggest this; a sound can be loud without being all-encompassing or dominant in the auditory environment.
Finally, roaring usually describes natural or mechanical sounds that are strong and resonant. Loud, however, can describe a wide variety of sounds, from musical notes to human voices, without any implications about their resonance or timbre.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deep, powerful sound
High volume
Emotional Connotation
Often has
Rarely has
Specificity
More specific
More general
Range of Applicability
Narrower
Wider
Continuousness
Usually sustained
May or may not be
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Roaring and Loud Definitions
Roaring
A forceful, continuous noise.
The roaring of the waterfall was mesmerizing.
Loud
High in volume.
Example: The music was so loud it hurt my ears.
Roaring
An overwhelming or all-encompassing noise.
The roaring fire consumed the room.
Loud
Amplified electronically.
Example: The microphone was too loud.
Roaring
A deep, resonant sound.
The roaring of the lion could be heard miles away.
Loud
Very noticeable.
Example: The wallpaper had a loud pattern.
Roaring
Very lively or successful; thriving
A roaring trade.
Loud
Demonstrative or clamorous.
Example: He has a loud personality.
Roaring
Used as an intensive
Roaring drunk.
Loud
Strong in expression.
Example: Her loud outfit caught everyone's attention.
Roaring
(informal) Intensive; extreme.
Loud
Characterized by high volume and intensity. Used of sound
A loud whistle.
Roaring
Very successful; lively.
The ice-cream sellers did a roaring trade in the midday heat.
Loud
Producing sound of high volume and intensity
A loud construction work site.
Roaring
Present participle of roar
Loud
Clamorous and insistent
Loud denials.
Roaring
A loud, deep, prolonged sound, as of a large beast; a roar.
Loud
Having strikingly bright colors
A loud necktie. See garish.
Roaring
An affection of the windpipe of a horse, causing a loud, peculiar noise in breathing under exertion.
Loud
Having a very strong or overpowering odor.
Roaring
A loud, deep, prolonged sound, as of a large beast, or of a person in distress, anger, mirth, etc., or of a noisy congregation.
Loud
In a loud manner.
Roaring
A deep prolonged loud noise
Loud
(of a sound) Of great intensity.
Turn that music down; it's too loud.
What was that? It sounded like a really loud sneeze.
Roaring
A very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal);
His bellow filled the hallway
Loud
(of a person, thing, event, etc.) Noisy.
A loud party that went on all night
Roaring
Very lively and profitable;
Flourishing businesses
A palmy time for stockbrokers
A prosperous new business
Doing a roaring trade
A thriving tourist center
Did a thriving business in orchids
Loud
(of a person, event, etc.) Not subtle or reserved, brash.
Roaring
Loud enough to cause (temporary) hearing loss
Loud
(of clothing, decorations, etc.) Having unpleasantly and tastelessly contrasting colours or patterns; gaudy.
A loud style of dress;
Loud colors
Roaring
Extremely;
Roaring drunk
Loud
High-quality; premium; (by extension) having a strong or pungent odour indicating good quality.
Roaring
A sound indicative of approval.
The audience gave a roaring applause.
Loud
(colloquial) A loud sound or part of a sound.
Roaring
A successful or exciting phenomenon.
The party was a roaring success.
Loud
High-quality marijuana.
Loud
Loudly.
Loud
Having, making, or being a strong or great sound; noisy; striking the ear with great force; as, a loud cry; loud thunder.
They were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified.
Loud
Clamorous; boisterous.
She is loud and stubborn.
Loud
Emphatic; impressive; urgent; as, a loud call for united effort.
Loud
Ostentatious; likely to attract attention; gaudy; as, a loud style of dress; loud colors.
Loud
With loudness; loudly.
To speak loud in public assemblies.
Loud
Characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity;
A group of loud children
Loud thunder
Her voice was too loud
Loud trombones
Loud
Tastelessly showy;
A flash car
A flashy ring
Garish colors
A gaudy costume
Loud sport shirts
A meretricious yet stylish book
Tawdry ornaments
Loud
Used chiefly as a direction or description in music;
The forte passages in the composition
Loud
With relatively high volume;
The band played loudly
She spoke loudly and angrily
He spoke loud enough for those at the back of the room to hear him
Cried aloud for help
FAQs
Can a roaring sound also be loud?
Yes, a roaring sound is often loud, but its defining feature is its deep, powerful quality.
Is roaring always continuous?
Roaring often implies a sustained or continuous sound, but exceptions exist.
What does loud mean?
Loud refers to a high volume of sound.
Is loudness measurable?
Yes, loudness can be measured in decibels.
Can loud be used to describe visual elements?
In informal usage, "loud" can describe visually striking or garish elements, like clothing.
Can a loud sound be described as roaring?
Not necessarily; a loud sound can be high-pitched or brief and still not be considered roaring.
Can any loud sound be called roaring?
No, not every loud sound is roaring; the sound must also be deep and often sustained.
Can roaring be used metaphorically?
Yes, roaring can be used metaphorically, as in "roaring success" or "roaring fire."
What does roaring mean?
Roaring refers to a deep, powerful, often continuous sound.
Can roaring describe human-made sounds?
Yes, such as the roaring applause from an audience.
Does roaring have emotional connotations?
Often, roaring implies a level of intensity or forcefulness that may evoke emotional responses.
Can loud be used metaphorically?
Less commonly, but phrases like "loud and clear" are metaphorical uses.
Is roaring a natural or mechanical sound?
Roaring can describe both natural and mechanical sounds, like roaring lions or engines.
Can roaring and loud be used interchangeably?
While both terms describe sound, they are not fully interchangeable due to their distinct nuances.
Can loud describe human behavior?
Yes, "loud" can describe demonstrative or boisterous human behavior.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
