Definitions
- Describing a low, continuous sound produced by machinery or electronics. - Referring to the sound of a person singing or humming a tune. - Talking about the sound of bees or other insects in flight.
- Describing a rapid, buzzing sound made by machinery or electronics. - Referring to the sound of something spinning or rotating quickly. - Talking about the sound of wings flapping rapidly, such as a bird or insect in flight.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe sounds produced by machinery or electronics.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the sound of something in motion.
- 3Both words are onomatopoeic, meaning they imitate the sound they describe.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Hum is a lower-pitched and more subdued sound than whir, which is higher-pitched and more intense.
- 2Speed: Whir implies a faster and more rapid motion than hum, which is slower and more continuous.
- 3Source: Hum is often associated with larger machines or electronics, while whir is more commonly used to describe smaller devices or mechanisms.
- 4Connotation: Hum has a more neutral or calming connotation, while whir can have a more urgent or intense connotation.
- 5Usage: Hum is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts than whir, which is more specific and limited in its usage.
Remember this!
Hum and whir are both onomatopoeic words that describe sounds produced by machinery or electronics. However, hum is a lower-pitched and more continuous sound, often associated with larger machines or electronics, while whir is a higher-pitched and more rapid sound, typically used to describe smaller devices or mechanisms. Hum has a more neutral or calming connotation, while whir can imply urgency or intensity.
