Definitions
- Describing the act of vomiting or attempting to vomit. - Referring to a gagging sensation in the throat that often precedes vomiting. - Talking about a physical reaction to unpleasant smells, sights, or tastes.
- Describing the act of forcefully throwing up or expelling the contents of the stomach. - Referring to a strong and sudden upward movement of the chest and diaphragm muscles. - Talking about a physical reaction to exertion, such as lifting heavy objects or intense exercise.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe physical reactions related to vomiting.
- 2Both words involve the muscles of the chest and diaphragm.
- 3Both words can be triggered by unpleasant smells, sights, or tastes.
- 4Both words are associated with discomfort or illness.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Heaving is more forceful and violent than retching.
- 2Action: Retching refers to the act of attempting to vomit, while heaving describes the actual expulsion of stomach contents.
- 3Duration: Retching can last longer than heaving, which is usually a quick and sudden action.
- 4Sound: Retching often produces a gagging or choking sound, while heaving may produce a loud retching or vomiting sound.
- 5Connotation: Retching is often associated with nausea or discomfort, while heaving can be associated with more severe illness or intoxication.
Remember this!
Retching and heaving are both synonyms for vomiting, but they differ in intensity, action, duration, sound, and connotation. Retching refers to the act of attempting to vomit, often accompanied by a gagging sensation, while heaving describes the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Retching is associated with discomfort or nausea, while heaving can be associated with more severe illness or intoxication.
