Differences between board up and drown out
Board out means to cover or block a window, door, or other opening with boards or other materials. Drown out means to make a sound or noise impossible to hear by making a louder sound.
Meanings and Definitions: board up vs drown out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Board up
- 1Cover windows or doors with wood, metal, etc..
They BOARDED UP all the windows to stop people getting into the empty houses.
Drown out
- 1Be so loud that another sound cannot be heard.
The music DROWNED OUT the sound of the phone ringing.
Usage Examples: board up, drown out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
board up
Example
Before the hurricane, we boarded up the windows to protect our home.
Example
The store owner boards up the windows every night for security.
drown out
Example
The loud music drowned out the sound of the phone ringing.
Example
The construction noise drowns out the birds singing.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Board up
To block or obstruct a passage or entrance with a physical barrier.
Example
The store owner barred the door to prevent looters from entering during the riots.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drown out
To be stronger or more intense than something else, making it impossible to ignore or resist.
Example
The smell of the food overpowered her senses, making her hungry.
To speak or shout louder than someone else to make them stop talking or to be heard.
Example
He had to outshout the protesters to make his point during the rally.
To make a sound quieter or less audible by covering or wrapping it with something.
Example
She muffled her phone's ringtone with a pillow to avoid waking up her baby.
Differences in board up vs drown out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: board up or drown out?
In everyday conversation, drown out is more common than board out. This is because drown out is used in various situations such as blocking out unwanted noise or music. On the other hand, board out is not used as much and is mainly used in specific situations such as during a hurricane or when securing a property.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of board up and drown out
Board out and drown out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of board up and drown out
The tone of board out and drown out can differ based on context. Board out often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to securing a property or preparing for a natural disaster, while drown out typically has a playful or annoyed tone, especially when referring to blocking out unwanted noise or distractions.
