Bellow vs. Sigh: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A loud, deep, often angry vocalization.
A quiet, long, deep breath, usually expressing emotion.
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Volume
Loud and robust.
Quiet and subtle.
Emotion Conveyed
Anger, frustration, dominance.
Sadness, relief, frustration, contemplation.
Intention
Intentional, seeking to command attention or express strong emotions.
Usually involuntary, expressive of internal emotional states.
Context
Situations of conflict, command, or extreme frustration.
Moments of reflection, relief, or resignation.
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.
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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.
Bellow
In literature, bellow can symbolize an authoritative or dominating proclamation.
The king’s bellow resonated through the silent hall, proclaiming his decree.
Sigh
It's a quiet, subtle vocalization, often reflective or contemplative.
A soft sigh escaped him as he recalled the past events.
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.
Sigh
Sigh can represent a spontaneous expression of internal emotional states.
He sighed in frustration when he realized his mistake.
Bellow
Bellow can represent a strong, resonant sound expressing displeasure.
The crowd’s bellow of disappointment was deafening.
Sigh
To exhale audibly in a long deep breath, as in weariness or relief.
Bellow
Bellow is a loud, deep roar, typically conveying anger or demand.
The coach’s bellow echoed across the field, demanding attention.
Sigh
To emit a similar sound
Willows sighing in the wind.
Bellow
To make the deep roaring sound characteristic of a bull.
Sigh
To feel longing or grief; yearn
Sighing for their lost youth.
Bellow
To shout in a deep voice.
Sigh
To express with or as if with an audible exhalation.
Bellow
To utter in a loud, powerful voice.
Sigh
(Archaic) To lament.
Bellow
The roar of a large animal, such as a bull.
Sigh
The act or sound of sighing.
Bellow
A very loud utterance or other sound.
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.
Bellow
The deep roar of a large animal, or any similar loud noise.
Sigh
(intransitive) To lament; to grieve.
Bellow
To make a loud, deep, hollow noise like the roar of an angry bull.
Sigh
(transitive) To utter sighs over; to lament or mourn over.
Bellow
To shout in a deep voice.
Sigh
(intransitive) To make a sound like sighing.
Bellow
To make a hollow, loud noise, as an enraged bull.
Sigh
(transitive) To exhale (the breath) in sighs.
She sighed a sigh that was nearly a groan.
Sigh a note and sing a note
Bellow
To bowl; to vociferate; to clamor.
Sigh
(transitive) To express by sighs; to utter in or with sighs.
"I guess I have no choice," she sighed.
She sighed her frustrations.
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.
Sigh
A deep, prolonged audible inhale and exhale of breath; as when fatigued, frustrated, grieved, or relieved; the act of sighing.
Bellow
To emit with a loud voice; to shout; - used with out.
Sigh
(figurative) a manifestation of grief; a lament.
Bellow
A loud resounding outcry or noise, as of an enraged bull; a roar.
Sigh
(Cockney rhyming slang) A person who is bored.
Bellow
A very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal);
His bellow filled the hallway
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.
Bellow
United States novelist (born in Canada in 1915)
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.
Bellow
Shout loudly and without restraint
Sigh
Hence, to lament; to grieve.
He sighed deeply in his spirit.
Bellow
Make a loud noise, as of animal;
The bull bellowed
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.
Sigh
To exhale (the breath) in sighs.
Never man sighed truer breath.
Sigh
To utter sighs over; to lament or mourn over.
Ages to come, and men unborn,Shall bless her name, and sigh her fate.
Sigh
To express by sighs; to utter in or with sighs.
They . . . sighed forth proverbs.
The gentle swain . . . sighs back her grief.
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.
Sigh
Figuratively, a manifestation of grief; a lan ent.
With their sighs the airFrequenting, sent from hearts contrite.
Sigh
An utterance made by exhaling audibly
Sigh
A sound like a person sighing;
She heard the sigh of the wind in the trees
Sigh
Heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily;
She sighed sadly
Sigh
Utter with a sigh
Sigh
In literature, a sigh can symbolize a moment of pause or resignation.
A sigh hung in the air, symbolizing his resignation to fate.
Sigh
Sigh is also an expression of subtle emotional release or venting.
She sighed, releasing the pent-up emotions of the day.
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.
Is Bellow always angry?
While bellows are often associated with anger or frustration, they can also convey other strong emotions or commands.
Is a Sigh always quiet?
While sighs are typically quiet and subtle, they can occasionally be audible, expressing intense emotion.
Can a Sigh be deliberate?
While usually spontaneous, sighs can also be deliberate, emphasizing feelings or drawing attention to one’s emotional state.
Can Bellow represent a demand?
Yes, a bellow can often represent a demand or command, seeking compliance or attention.
What does Bellow signify?
Bellow signifies a loud, deep, and often angry vocalization, typically conveying strong emotions or commands.
How is a Sigh typically expressed?
A sigh is typically a quiet, long, deep breath, expressing emotions like sadness, relief, or frustration.
Can a Sigh be of happiness?
Yes, sighs can also express relief, contentment, or happiness, depending on the context.
Can Bellow be unintentional?
Bellows are usually intentional, conveying clear and assertive messages or commands.
Are Bellows always loud?
Bellows are characteristically loud and robust, designed to command attention or express strong emotions.
Is a Sigh always reflective of sadness?
No, a sigh can express a range of emotions including relief, frustration, contentment, or resignation.
Can one Sigh out of annoyance?
Absolutely, sighs can often be expressions of annoyance or frustration.
Can Sigh symbolize relief?
Yes, a sigh is often used to symbolize relief or a release of tension.
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.
Is Bellow used in literature?
Yes, bellow is used in literature to symbolize strong, authoritative proclamations or expressions of strong emotions.
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
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
