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Yawning vs. Sighing: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 26, 2023
Yawning is an involuntary opening of the mouth, often due to tiredness; sighing is exhaling deeply, often expressing emotions like relief or sadness.

Key Differences

Yawning is an involuntary act, often associated with tiredness or boredom, characterized by a wide opening of the mouth. Sighing is a deep exhale, usually expressing emotions such as relief, sadness, or frustration.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
The act of yawning is believed to help increase oxygen intake and cool the brain. Sighing, on the other hand, is thought to reset breathing patterns and express emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Yawning is often contagious among humans and even some animals. Sighing, however, is a personal expression and typically not contagious.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Yawning can occur when one is tired, bored, or sees someone else yawn. Sighing is often a response to emotional states, stress, or a need to reset breathing.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
While yawning involves a wide opening of the mouth and sometimes stretching of the body, sighing involves a deep inhale followed by a longer, audible exhale.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Involuntary opening of the mouth
Exhaling deeply, often expressing emotions
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Trigger

Tiredness, boredom, contagiousness
Emotional states, stress
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Physical Action

Wide mouth opening, sometimes body stretching
Deep inhale, longer exhale
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Purpose/Believed Benefit

Increase oxygen intake, cool the brain
Reset breathing, express emotions
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Contagiousness

Often contagious
Not contagious
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
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Yawning and Sighing Definitions

Yawning

Contagious action triggering a similar response in others.
Her yawning made everyone else in the room yawn.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023

Sighing

Exhaling longer than usual due to frustration or sadness.
He sighed deeply, frustrated with the delay.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Yawning

Involuntary opening of the mouth due to tiredness.
She kept yawning during the long lecture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023

Sighing

A way to reset irregular breathing.
After the sprint, she was sighing to catch her breath.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Yawning

Believed to help increase oxygen intake.
He was yawning to stay alert during the meeting.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
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Sighing

Not contagious but often a personal emotional expression.
Alone in her room, she sighed, feeling overwhelmed.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Yawning

Can involve stretching and is often seen in animals too.
The yawning cat stretched lazily in the sun.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Sighing

Deep exhale expressing emotions.
She sighed with relief after hearing the good news.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023

Yawning

A reflex often associated with boredom.
His yawning indicated his lack of interest.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Sighing

Can be audible, signaling emotions nonverbally.
Her sighing during the conversation showed her impatience.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Yawning

Gaping open; cavernous
A yawning abyss.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 04, 2022

Sighing

To exhale audibly in a long deep breath, as in weariness or relief.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 04, 2022

FAQs

Why do people sigh?

To express emotions or reset breathing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023

Do all animals yawn?

Many, but not all, animals yawn.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Is yawning a sign of lack of oxygen?

It can be, as it helps increase oxygen intake.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Can yawning be suppressed?

It's difficult but can be momentarily stifled.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Is sighing always due to sadness?

No, it can express a range of emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Is sighing rude?

It can be perceived as such in some contexts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Why is yawning contagious?

It's believed to be a social empathy response.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Do babies yawn?

Yes, even fetuses yawn.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Does yawning mean someone is uninterested?

Not always, it can just indicate tiredness.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023

Are yawns shorter for animals?

It varies between species.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Can yawning be a reflex to bright light?

Yes, some people yawn in response to bright light.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023

Does sighing have a social function?

It can nonverbally communicate emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Does sighing help with stress?

It can be a release mechanism for stress.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Is sighing bad for health?

Not usually, unless excessive or due to health issues.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Can sighing indicate medical issues?

Excessive sighing might, but not usually.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023

What triggers yawning besides tiredness?

Boredom, seeing someone else yawn.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Why do we sigh more when tired?

To regulate breathing and express fatigue.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Can sighing be a habit?

Yes, some people sigh habitually.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023

What's the longest a yawn can last?

Typically, a few seconds.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023

Can sighing be controlled?

To some extent, but it's often involuntary.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera 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.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira 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.

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