Clamor vs. Clamber — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
Clamor refers to a loud uproar or noisy expression of discontent, while clamber involves climbing or moving awkwardly, often with difficulty.
Difference Between Clamor and Clamber
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Key Differences
Clamor is commonly used to describe a loud, sustained noise or outcry from a crowd expressing displeasure or demand, whereas clamber refers to the physical act of climbing with effort or difficulty, especially using both hands and feet.
In discussions of public events, clamor might be used to describe the vocal protests or demands of a crowd, while clamber could describe people struggling to ascend steep or challenging terrain.
The word clamor is often associated with situations requiring vocal advocacy or protest, highlighting the collective voice of discontent, on the other hand, clamber is used in contexts that involve overcoming physical obstacles.
Clamor can also be metaphorically used to describe any loud and persistent demand or outcry, even in non-physical settings such as clamoring for change in policies, whereas clamber is strictly used in a physical sense.
The intensity and disruptive connotation of clamor contrast with the physical and sometimes precarious nature of clambering, which focuses more on the method and effort of movement rather than the impact of sound.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A loud uproar, especially from a crowd of people
To climb, move, or get in or out of something
Usage Context
Used to describe loud collective noises or demands
Used to describe awkward or difficult climbing
Connotation
Often negative, suggesting tumult and noise
Neutral, focused on the method of movement
Verb Forms
Clamors, clamored, clamoring
Clambers, clambered, clambering
Common Phrases
"A clamor for justice", "A clamor rose up"
"Clamber over rocks", "Clamber up a hill"
Compare with Definitions
Clamor
To demand or ask for something loudly.
The public clamored for an explanation.
Clamber
To move laboriously or clumsily in or as if in climbing.
He clambered through the dense brush.
Clamor
Any loud and continuous noise.
The clamor of the bells could be heard across the city.
Clamber
To climb something with difficulty, using hands and feet.
They clambered up the steep slope.
Clamor
Loud and persistent public outcry.
The clamor for reform grew louder each day.
Clamber
To ascend or descend a particular structure awkwardly.
The children clambered down the playground equipment.
Clamor
To influence or effect with loud outcry.
They clamored their dissent in the meeting.
Clamber
To make an awkward climb.
We had to clamber over the fallen logs.
Clamor
A loud noise or outcry; a hubbub.
Clamber
To get in or out of something in an awkward and laborious manner.
She clambered into the small boat.
Clamor
A vehement expression of discontent or protest
A clamor in the press for pollution control.
Clamber
Climb or move in an awkward and laborious way, typically using both hands and feet
I clambered out of the trench
Clamor
To make a loud sustained noise or outcry.
Clamber
An awkward and laborious climb or movement
A clamber up the cliff path
Clamor
To make insistent demands or complaints
Clamored for tax reforms.
Clamber
To climb with difficulty, especially on all fours; scramble.
Clamor
To exclaim insistently and noisily
The representatives clamored their disapproval.
Clamber
A difficult, awkward climb.
Clamor
To influence or force by clamoring
Clamored the mayor into resigning.
Clamber
(ambitransitive) To climb (something) with some difficulty, or in a haphazard fashion.
The children clambered over the jungle gym.
Clamor
A great outcry or vociferation; loud and continued shouting or exclamation.
Clamber
The act of clambering; a difficult or haphazard climb.
Clamor
Any loud and continued noise.
Clamber
To climb with difficulty, or with hands and feet; - also used figuratively.
The narrow street that clambered toward the mill.
Clamor
A continued public expression, often of dissatisfaction or discontent; a popular outcry.
Clamber
To ascend by climbing with difficulty.
Clambering the walls to eye him.
Clamor
(intransitive) To cry out and/or demand.
Anyone who tastes our food seems to clamor for more.
Clamber
The act of clambering.
Clamor
(transitive) To demand by outcry.
Thousands of demonstrators clamoring the government's resignation were literally deafening, yet their cries fell in deaf ears
Clamber
An awkward climb;
Reaching the crest was a real clamber
Clamor
(intransitive) To become noisy insistently.
After a confused murmur the audience soon clamored
Clamber
Climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
Clamor
(transitive) To influence by outcry.
His many supporters successfully clamor his election without a formal vote
Clamor
To silence.
Clamor
A great outcry or vociferation; loud and continued shouting or exclamation from many people.
Clamor
Any loud and continued noise.
Clamor
A continued expression of dissatisfaction or discontent; a popular outcry.
Clamor
To salute loudly.
The people with a shoutRifted the air, clamoring their god with praise.
Clamor
To stun with noise.
Clamor
To utter loudly or repeatedly; to shout.
Clamored their piteous prayer incessantly.
To clamor bells, to repeat the strokes quickly so as to produce a loud clang.
Clamor
To utter loud sounds or outcries; to vociferate; to talk in a loud voice; to complain; to make importunate demands.
The obscure birdClamored the livelong night.
Clamor
To dispute in a loud voice.
Clamor
A loud harsh or strident noise
Clamor
Loud and persistent outcry from many people;
He ignored the clamor of the crowd
Clamor
Make loud demands;
He clamored for justice and tolerance
Clamor
Utter or proclaim insistently and noisily;
The delegates clamored their disappointment
Common Curiosities
What types of movements are associated with clambering?
Movements that involve scrambling over obstacles, often using both hands and feet, such as climbing rocks, hiking steep trails, or navigating ruins.
What situations typically evoke a clamor?
Situations like public demonstrations, sports events, or any large gatherings where people vocally express strong emotions or demands.
Can animals clamber?
Yes, animals such as monkeys, bears, and large cats are often described as clambering in their natural habitats, especially when climbing trees or rocky surfaces.
Is the word clamor used in legal contexts?
Yes, it can be used to describe a public outcry or demand that influences legal decisions or legislative actions.
Can clamor have a positive connotation?
Rarely, as it usually implies disorder or tumult, but it can be positive when it reflects passionate collective advocacy for a beneficial cause.
Can clamor be used as a verb?
Yes, to clamor means to make a loud outcry or to demand something insistently and noisily.
Does clamber require special skills or equipment?
While not always requiring special skills, clambering over difficult terrain may be easier and safer with appropriate climbing gear.
Can clamor be measured or quantified?
While not easily quantifiable, the intensity of clamor can be described in terms of volume or the number of participants in the clamor.
Is there an opposite to clambering?
The opposite action might be descending smoothly or simply walking without the need for using hands or overcoming obstacles.
How do modern media use the term 'clamor'?
Modern media often use "clamor" to describe loud public demands or uproars, particularly in social or political contexts, highlighting public sentiment or reaction.
Is clambering safe?
Clambering can be unsafe without proper care or equipment, especially in challenging environments like mountains or cliffs.
How does clamor affect communication?
Clamor can drown out or disrupt normal communication, making it difficult to convey or receive messages clearly.
What literary uses does clamor have?
In literature, clamor is often used to set a scene of chaos or to underscore the emotional response of a crowd or community.
What is the origin of the word 'clamor'?
It comes from Latin "clamor," meaning "shout" or "cry," reflecting its usage in contexts involving vocal expression.
What is the origin of the word 'clamber'?
It likely derives from the Middle English "clambren," meaning to climb clumsily, which is fitting given its current meaning.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat