Definitions
- Used to express disapproval, irritation, or skepticism. - Referring to a sound made by clearing one's throat in a loud and exaggerated manner. - Talking about a sound made to draw attention or show annoyance.
- Referring to a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs through the mouth, often due to illness or irritation. - Talking about a sound made to clear the throat or draw attention. - Describing a symptom of a respiratory illness, such as a cold or flu.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve making a sound with the mouth and throat.
- 2Both can be used to draw attention or express discomfort.
- 3Both can be symptoms of an illness or irritation.
What is the difference?
- 1Intention: Harrumph is often used to express disapproval or skepticism, while cough is usually involuntary and a symptom of an illness.
- 2Sound: Harrumph is a loud and exaggerated throat-clearing sound, while cough is a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.
- 3Frequency: Cough can be a persistent symptom of an illness, while harrumph is usually a one-time occurrence.
- 4Connotation: Harrumph can be seen as rude or dismissive, while cough is generally neutral or sympathetic.
- 5Usage: Harrumph is less common and more informal than cough, which is widely used in everyday language.
Remember this!
Harrumph and cough are both sounds made with the mouth and throat. However, the difference between them is their intention, sound, frequency, connotation, and usage. Harrumph is a loud and exaggerated throat-clearing sound used to express disapproval or skepticism, while cough is a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs and is usually involuntary and a symptom of an illness.
