Ask Difference

Yell vs. Cheer — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 22, 2023
Yelling is a loud, often harsh or aggressive vocalization, while cheering is a vocal expression of support, encouragement, or celebration, usually conveyed in a positive and enthusiastic manner.
Yell vs. Cheer — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Yell and Cheer

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Key Differences

Yell typically denotes a loud and often abrupt or harsh sound, frequently associated with anger, fear, or excitement. In contrast, cheer is a vocal expression that conveys encouragement, support, or happiness, often heard at sporting events or celebrations.
A yell can be instinctive, as a reaction to surprise or danger, and may carry a negative or aggressive connotation. On the other hand, cheer is usually deliberate and positive, aimed at motivating or showing approval or excitement for someone or something.
The act of yelling can be a form of communication in loud environments or a way to express strong emotions. In contrast, cheering is primarily a form of encouragement or celebration, often involving clapping, shouting positive phrases, and exuding a sense of joy.
In a group setting, a yell may be used to attract attention or assert dominance, often interpreted as a sign of conflict or distress. Cheer, however, is generally associated with unity and collective joy, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement.
Yelling is not typically seen as a desirable or polite form of communication and can be viewed as disruptive or rude. Conversely, cheering is often seen as a socially acceptable way to express enthusiasm, especially in group settings like sports games or celebratory events.
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Comparison Chart

Tone

Often loud, harsh, aggressive
Positive, enthusiastic, supportive

Context

Anger, fear, excitement
Encouragement, celebration, support

Social Perception

Generally negative or aggressive
Generally positive and encouraging

Purpose

To express strong emotions, attract attention
To motivate, celebrate, show approval

Common Settings

Arguments, emergencies
Sports events, concerts, celebrations

Compare with Definitions

Yell

Yelling can be a spontaneous reaction to pain or fear.
He yelled out in pain when he accidentally hit his thumb with the hammer.

Cheer

Cheer is an expression of support or happiness, often vocalized in a crowd.
The audience broke into cheers when the performer took the stage.

Yell

Yell can also mean a loud cheer or shout, especially in group settings.
The fans yelled in unison to support their team.

Cheer

Cheering involves shouting positive phrases or clapping to show encouragement.
The crowd cheered loudly as the runner crossed the finish line.

Yell

To cry out loudly, as in pain, fright, surprise, or enthusiasm.

Cheer

Cheer can also mean general happiness or good spirits.
His cheerful demeanor brightened the mood of the entire office.

Yell

To utter or express with a loud cry.

Cheer

In sports, cheer is used to motivate players and create a positive atmosphere.
The cheerleaders led the fans in a spirited cheer to boost the team's morale.

Yell

A loud cry; a shout.

Cheer

To cheer someone up means to make them feel happier or more hopeful.
She cheered up her friend with a surprise visit.

Yell

A cheer uttered or chanted in unison.

Cheer

Shout for joy or in praise or encouragement
She cheered from the sidelines

Yell

(intransitive) To shout; holler; make a loud sound with the voice.

Cheer

Give comfort or support to
He seemed greatly cheered by my arrival

Yell

(transitive) To convey by shouting.

Cheer

A shout of encouragement, praise, or joy
A tremendous cheer from the audience

Yell

To tell someone off in a loud and angry manner.

Cheer

Cheerfulness, optimism, or confidence
An attempt to inject a little cheer into this gloomy season

Yell

A shout.

Cheer

A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation
A remark that drew cheers from the crowd.

Yell

A phrase to be shouted.

Cheer

A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.

Yell

(Ulster) dry of cow

Cheer

Comfort or encouragement
A message of cheer.

Yell

To cry out, or shriek, with a hideous noise; to cry or scream as with agony or horror.
They yelleden as feendes doon in helle.
Nor the night raven, that still deadly yells.
Infernal ghosts and hellish furies roundEnvironed thee; some howled, some yelled.

Cheer

Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy
A happy tune, full of cheer.

Yell

To utter or declare with a yell; to proclaim in a loud tone.

Cheer

Festive food and drink; refreshment
Did not refrain from sampling their holiday cheer.

Yell

A sharp, loud, hideous outcry.
Their hideous yellsRend the dark welkin.

Cheer

To shout cheers.

Yell

A loud utterance; often in protest or opposition;
The speaker was interrupted by loud cries from the rear of the audience

Cheer

To express praise or approval
Bloggers cheered when the favorable decision was announced.

Yell

A loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate);
A cry of rage
A yell of pain

Cheer

To become cheerful
Had lunch and soon cheered up.

Yell

Utter a sudden loud cry;
She cried with pain when the doctor inserted the needle
I yelled to her from the window but she couldn't hear me

Cheer

To encourage with cheers
The fans cheered the runners on.

Yell

Utter or declare in a very loud voice;
You don't have to yell--I can hear you just fine

Cheer

To salute or acclaim with cheers; applaud.

Yell

Yell is a loud, often abrupt vocalization that can express anger or alarm.
He yelled in surprise when the door suddenly slammed shut.

Cheer

To express praise or approval for; acclaim
Cheered the results of the election.

Yell

Yelling can be a way to communicate urgently in noisy environments.
The coach yelled instructions to the players over the roar of the crowd.

Cheer

To make happier or more cheerful
A warm fire that cheered us.

Yell

In a negative context, yelling can indicate aggression or frustration.
Frustrated by the delay, she yelled at the customer service representative.

Cheer

(uncountable) A cheerful attitude; happiness; a good, happy, or positive mood.

Cheer

That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness, especially food and entertainment prepared for a festive occasion.
A table loaded with good cheer

Cheer

(countable) A cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah".
Three cheers for the birthday boy!
A cheer rose from the crowd.

Cheer

(countable) A chant made in support of a team at a sports event.

Cheer

(obsolete) One's facial expression or countenance.

Cheer

(archaic) One's attitude, mood.

Cheer

Cheerleading, especially when practiced as a competitive sport.
Alex participated in cheer all four years of college.
I'm going to wear my new cheer shoes at cheer today.

Cheer

(transitive) To gladden; to make cheerful; often with up.
We were cheered by the offer of a cup of tea.

Cheer

(transitive) To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.

Cheer

To encourage to do something.

Cheer

(ambitransitive) To applaud or encourage with cheers or shouts.
The crowd cheered in support of the athletes.
The crowd cheered the athletes.

Cheer

To feel or express enthusiasm for (something).
The finance sector will cheer this decision.

Cheer

The face; the countenance or its expression.

Cheer

That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.

Cheer

Feeling; spirit; state of mind or heart.
Be of good cheer.
The parents . . . fled away with heavy cheer.

Cheer

Gayety; mirth; cheerfulness; animation.
I have not that alacrity of spirit,Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.

Cheer

A shout, hurrah, or acclamation, expressing joy enthusiasm, applause, favor, etc.
Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street.

Cheer

To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; - often with up.

Cheer

To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.

Cheer

To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.

Cheer

To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous; - usually with up.
At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up.

Cheer

To be in any state or temper of mind.
How cheer'st thou, Jessica?

Cheer

To utter a shout or shouts of applause, triumph, etc.
And even the ranks of TusculumCould scare forbear to cheer.

Cheer

A cry or shout of approval

Cheer

The quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom;
Flowers added a note of cheerfulness to the drab room

Cheer

Give encouragement to

Cheer

Show approval or good wishes by shouting;
Everybody cheered the birthday boy

Cheer

Cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful;
She tried to cheer up the disappointed child when he failed to win the spelling bee

Cheer

Become cheerful

Cheer

Urge on or encourage especially by shouts;
The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers

Common Curiosities

Do all cultures use cheering at sports events?

Most do, though the form and intensity of cheering can vary.

Is it appropriate to yell in public?

Generally, no. Yelling is often seen as disruptive or rude.

Is cheering always positive?

Typically, yes. It's meant to express support and happiness.

Can yelling be used as a form of expression in art?

It can be, especially in performance arts to convey strong emotion.

Is yelling always negative?

Typically, yes, though it can also be a neutral reaction to excitement or surprise.

Are there professional cheerleaders?

Yes, professional cheerleaders perform at sports events and competitions.

Can yelling be a sign of danger?

Yes, yelling can indicate distress, warning, or a need for urgent help.

Are there different ways to cheer?

Yes, cheering can include clapping, chanting, and using noisemakers.

Can cheering be done quietly?

Not usually, as cheering implies vocal enthusiasm and volume.

Can yelling be harmful?

Excessive yelling can strain vocal cords and negatively affect communication.

Is cheering common in individual sports?

Yes, athletes in individual sports also receive cheers from spectators.

Can someone yell in excitement?

Yes, yelling can be an expression of extreme excitement or joy.

Does cheering require specific phrases?

Not necessarily, though common phrases are often used to unify the message.

Is yelling effective in communication?

It can be in getting immediate attention, but it's not effective for clear communication.

Is yelling a form of verbal abuse?

It can be, especially if used to intimidate or belittle someone.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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