Clamour vs. Clamor — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 31, 2024
Clamour is the British spelling, denoting loud and confused noise, especially by people shouting. Clamor is the American variant, with the same meaning.
Difference Between Clamour and Clamor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Clamour is used in British English to describe a loud, continuous noise, particularly one made by a group of people talking, shouting, or protesting about something. Clamor, on the other hand, is the American English spelling of the same word.
The choice between clamour and clamor primarily depends on the variant of English one is using or exposed to. In academic or professional writing, consistency with either American or British English standards is typically maintained, influencing the use of such spelling variants.
In literature or media, the use of either term can also subtly indicate the cultural context or setting of the content, with "clamour" suggesting a British background and "clamor" an American one. Despite the spelling difference, the essence and application of the word remain the same across both versions of English.
Both terms are used metaphorically to describe a strong and collective expression of opinion or demand. Whether it’s the clamour for justice in a British newspaper or the clamor for reform in an American broadcast, the term signifies a powerful, communal voice striving to be heard.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
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Usage
Loud, confused noise; demand or protest
Same as Clamour
Pronunciation
Same for both
Same for both
Contextual Use
Academic, literature, media in British English context
Academic, literature, media in American English context
Metaphorical Use
Describes collective expression of opinion or demand
Same as Clamour
Compare with Definitions
Clamour
Collective outcry.
There was a great clamour against the proposed law.
Clamor
Demand for attention.
The clamor for improved healthcare is growing louder in the community.
Clamour
Demand for attention.
The public clamour for environmental action has never been higher.
Clamor
Urgent demand.
There's a significant clamor for reform in criminal justice.
Clamour
Urgent demand.
The clamour for change in the education system is increasing.
Clamor
Loud protest.
The clamor for justice could be heard across the city.
Clamour
Loud protest.
The clamour outside the parliament grew louder as the debate continued.
Clamor
Collective outcry.
The national clamor over the incident prompted immediate action.
Clamour
Confused noise by a crowd.
The clamour of the crowded market made conversation difficult.
Clamor
Confused noise by a crowd.
The clamor at the sports event was overwhelming.
Clamour
Variant of clamor.
Clamor
A loud noise or outcry; a hubbub.
Clamour
Alternative spelling of clamor
Clamor
A vehement expression of discontent or protest
A clamor in the press for pollution control.
Clamour
Alternative spelling of clamor
Clamor
To make a loud sustained noise or outcry.
Clamour
To salute loudly.
Clamor
To make insistent demands or complaints
Clamored for tax reforms.
Clamour
To stun with noise.
Clamor
To exclaim insistently and noisily
The representatives clamored their disapproval.
Clamour
To repeat the strokes quickly on (bells) so as to produce a loud clang.
Clamor
To influence or force by clamoring
Clamored the mayor into resigning.
Clamour
Same as clamor.
Clamor
A great outcry or vociferation; loud and continued shouting or exclamation.
Clamour
Loud and persistent outcry from many people;
He ignored the clamor of the crowd
Clamor
Any loud and continued noise.
Clamour
Utter or proclaim insistently and noisily;
The delegates clamored their disappointment
Clamor
A continued public expression, often of dissatisfaction or discontent; a popular outcry.
Clamour
Make loud demands;
He clamored for justice and tolerance
Clamor
(intransitive) To cry out and/or demand.
Anyone who tastes our food seems to clamor for more.
Clamor
(transitive) To demand by outcry.
Thousands of demonstrators clamoring the government's resignation were literally deafening, yet their cries fell in deaf ears
Clamor
(intransitive) To become noisy insistently.
After a confused murmur the audience soon clamored
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
Clamor
Compel someone to do something by insistent clamoring;
They clamored the mayor into building a new park
Common Curiosities
Can clamour and clamor be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably, but the choice of spelling depends on the variant of English being used.
In what contexts are clamour and clamor used?
They are used to describe loud, continuous noise, especially by people talking, shouting, or protesting, as well as a metaphor for a strong public demand or outcry.
What is the difference between clamour and clamor?
The difference lies in spelling: "clamour" is British English, while "clamor" is American English. Both words have the same meanings and uses.
How do clamour and clamor relate to public protests?
Both terms are often used to describe the collective noise or outcry made by people during public protests, emphasizing the demand for attention or change.
Is clamour more commonly used in British publications?
Yes, "clamour" is typically found in British publications, in line with British spelling conventions.
Would using clamor in a British context be considered incorrect?
In formal writing adhering to British English conventions, "clamor" would be considered a spelling error.
Is there a difference in usage between clamour and clamor in literature?
The usage is the same, but the choice of spelling can indicate the cultural or geographical setting of a piece of literature.
Is the pronunciation of clamour and clamor different?
No, the pronunciation is the same for both spellings.
How can I decide whether to use clamour or clamor?
Choose based on the variant of English you are using or are exposed to, keeping consistency in your writing.
Are there any synonyms for clamour and clamor?
Yes, synonyms include uproar, outcry, hubbub, noise, din, but the choice depends on the context and nuance intended.
How do clamour and clamor contribute to the tone of a text?
Their use can add a tone of urgency, demand, or intensity, emphasizing the collective voice or public sentiment.
How does the digital age affect the usage of clamour and clamor?
Digital communication and global exposure may lead to an increased blending of British and American English, but the importance of maintaining spelling consistency in formal contexts remains.
Do clamour and clamor have the same etymology?
Yes, both spellings have the same origin and have evolved with the language into their respective British and American forms.
Can clamour and clamor be used in legal or formal documents?
Yes, they can be used in formal contexts to describe a public outcry or demand related to legal or societal issues.
Can clamour/clamor be used in a positive context?
While typically associated with protests or demands, they can be used positively to denote a vibrant, energetic atmosphere or strong support for a cause.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
