What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sob
Example
She sobbed uncontrollably when she heard the news. [sob: verb]
Example
The sound of her sobs echoed through the empty room. [sobs: noun]
whimper
Example
The puppy whimpered softly as it licked its wounded paw. [whimpered: verb]
Example
She let out a small whimper of disappointment when she saw the result. [whimper: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sob is more commonly used than whimper in everyday language. Sob is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts, while whimper is more specific and often used in the context of animals or children.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sob and whimper?
Both sob and whimper are informal words that are typically used in casual or emotional contexts. However, sob can also be used in more formal settings to describe intense emotional responses, while whimper is less commonly used in formal contexts.
