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Bellow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”Š
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bellow

[หˆbษ›loสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A deep roaring shout or sound.

Synonyms

roar, shout, yell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bellow

This word is used when someone speaks or shouts in a loud, deep voice, often because of anger or to call for attention.

  • The manager bellowed instructions to the workers.
  • He bellowed at the dog to stop barking.
roar

Roar is often used to describe a loud, deep sound made by a large animal like a lion, or by a person when they are very loud, enthusiastic, or in pain.

  • The lion roared in the jungle.
  • The crowd roared when their team scored a goal.
shout

Shout is commonly used when someone speaks in a loud voice often to be heard over a distance or noise, or to express strong emotions like anger or excitement.

  • She had to shout to be heard over the music.
  • He shouted for help when he got stuck.
yell

Yell is usually used when someone shouts loudly and suddenly, often in anger, pain, or excitement.

  • The coach yelled at the players to run faster.
  • She yelled in pain when she stubbed her toe.

Examples of usage

  • The bellow of a bull echoed through the valley.
  • The bellow of the wind could be heard from miles away.
Context #2 | Verb

animal

To emit a deep loud roar, typically in pain or anger.

Synonyms

cry out, roar, shout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bellow

This is used to describe a loud, deep, and often angry shout, similar to the sound a bull makes. It's usually associated with strong emotions like anger or frustration.

  • 'Stop that right now!' he bellowed
  • The coach bellowed instructions from the sideline
roar

This word suggests a very loud, deep sound, similar to that of a lion. It often conveys power, anger, or approval, and is suitable for describing both human and animal sounds.

  • The crowd roared with excitement
  • He roared in anger at the unfair decision
shout

Shouting involves speaking loudly, often because of distance, noise, or to express strong emotions like anger or excitement. It's general and can be used in many situations.

  • She had to shout to be heard over the music
  • He shouted his friend's name from across the street
cry out

This expression is used when someone makes a loud exclamation or call, typically in pain, fear, or surprise.

  • She cried out in pain when she hit her foot
  • He cried out when he saw the spider

Examples of usage

  • The wounded animal bellowed in agony.
  • The angry bull bellowed at the intruder.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Various mammals, including elephants and lions, bellow as a form of communication, often to assert dominance.
  • Cattle are known to bellow loudly, especially when they are trying to call their young or express distress.
  • In nature documentaries, you might hear a bellowing sound during mating season, signaling territory or attraction.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters often bellow when they are angry, creating dramatic and intense moments.
  • Famous phrases like 'bellowing like a bull' are used in pop culture to describe someone shouting fiercely.
  • Bellowing can also represent powerful emotions, often depicted in epic battle scenes or sports events.

Psychology

  • Loud vocalizations can be a response to stress, helping individuals release pent-up emotions.
  • Research suggests that people may bellow in histrionic moments to express feelings that words cannot convey.
  • Understanding the reasons behind bellowing can aid in recognizing emotional states and improving communication.

Literature

  • Authors often use bellowing to portray charactersโ€™ deep emotions, emphasizing their strength or frustration.
  • Bellowing can be found in poetry as a sound device, creating rhythm and intensity in the written word.
  • Renowned authors like Saul Bellow, whose works explore the complexities of human emotions, have blended metaphorical bellowing into their prose.

Origin of 'bellow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bellow' comes from Old English 'bylgian,' meaning to roar or to swell.
  • Its roots are connected to similar words in other Germanic languages that describe loud, deep sounds, like a bull's roar.
  • Originally, 'bellow' was often used to describe the noises made by animals, particularly large ones.

The word 'bellow' originated from Old English 'bellan', meaning 'to roar, sound' which is related to Dutch 'bellen' and German 'bellen', all of which are imitative of the sound produced.

See also: bell, bellfry, bellhop, bellicose, bells.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,943, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.