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Yell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yell

[jษ›l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

loud noise

To shout or scream loudly, typically because one is angry, frightened, or in pain. Yelling is often done to get someone's attention or to express strong emotions.

Synonyms

bellow, scream, shout, shout out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yell

Used when someone raises their voice to express strong emotion, such as anger, fear, or excitement.

  • He had to yell to be heard over the noise.
  • The coach yelled at the players to increase their effort.
shout

Used for raising one's voice loudly for emphasis or to be heard over a distance. It can be neutral or slightly negative.

  • He had to shout to get everyone's attention.
  • She shouted for help when she got lost.
scream

Used when someone makes a loud, high-pitched noise, typically out of fear, pain, or excitement. It can also have a negative connotation.

  • She screamed when she saw the spider.
  • The audience screamed with excitement at the concert.
shout out

Used to publicly acknowledge or give notice to someone or something, often in a positive manner.

  • He gave a shout out to all his supporters.
  • I want to shout out my friend for helping me with the project.
bellow

Used when someone shouts in a deep, loud voice. Often used to depict a commanding or very strong presence.

  • The sergeant bellowed orders at the recruits.
  • He bellowed with laughter at the joke.

Examples of usage

  • He yelled at the top of his lungs to warn the others.
  • She yelled in frustration after losing the game.
  • The coach yelled instructions from the sidelines.
  • Don't yell at me, I can hear you just fine.
  • Why are you yelling? There's no need to raise your voice.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that yelling can be a form of emotional release, allowing individuals to express feelings like anger or frustration.
  • Yelling can activate our fight-or-flight response, signaling the body to prepare for a potential threat.
  • Excessive yelling in communication can lead to negative reactions, making people feel defensive or anxious.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, yelling is often used in sports to rally a team or express excitement among fans.
  • Many traditional festivals include loud celebrations where yelling is encouraged as a form of expressing joy.
  • In some societies, it serves as an important aspect of social interaction, especially among children during play.

Literature

  • Yelling often appears in literature as a dramatic device to convey intense emotions or conflicts between characters.
  • Famous plays, like Shakespeareโ€™s tragedies, utilize loud outbursts to symbolize moments of high tension.
  • Childrenโ€™s books frequently depict characters yelling to express their strong feelings, making stories relatable and engaging.

Pop Culture

  • Popular music has numerous tracks with lyrics that incorporate yelling, either as a form of style or to emphasize emotion.
  • Yelling has become a meme in internet culture, often used in humorous contexts to exaggerate reactions.
  • Movies often use yelling to set dramatic scenes, like during critical confrontations or thrilling chase sequences.

Origin of 'yell'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'yell' originates from the Middle English word 'yellen', which means to cry out.
  • Related words include 'yelp' and 'yowling', highlighting its connection to loud vocalizations in animals.
  • The Old English word 'geol', meaning 'to shout' had similar connotations in early language.

The word 'yell' has its origins in Middle English, where it meant 'to call or cry out loudly.' It is related to the Old English word 'gellan' and the Old High German word 'gellan,' both of which had similar meanings. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in Modern English to describe a loud vocal expression of emotion or communication.

See also: yelling.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,584, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.