Loll vs. Lull — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
"Loll" refers to a relaxed or lazy posture, often implying idleness, while "lull" describes a temporary period of calm or decreased activity.
Difference Between Loll and Lull
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Key Differences
Loll involves a physical posture of relaxation or idleness, where someone might recline comfortably or hang loosely. On the other hand, lull signifies a temporary pause or decrease in noise, activity, or intensity, often used metaphorically in various contexts.
The verb "loll" is often associated with a leisurely or lazy behavior, such as lolling on a couch. Whereas, "lull" can be used to describe a soothing action or effect, as in lulling a baby to sleep.
While "loll" captures a state of physical rest or inactivity, suggesting a voluntary action, "lull" often involves environmental or situational changes that lead to a temporary quietness or calm, which may not be controlled by those experiencing it.
In usage, "loll" can have a slightly negative connotation, implying laziness or lack of purpose. Conversely, "lull" generally carries a neutral or positive connotation, indicating peace or a break in activity.
The two terms also differ in their sensory implications; lolling is a visual or tactile experience, directly linked to bodily posture. In contrast, lulling is more auditory or abstract, often involving a reduction in sensory inputs or disturbances.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Assume a relaxed, lazy posture
Cause a temporary period of quiet or calm
Connotation
Often negative, implying idleness or laziness
Neutral or positive, suggesting tranquility
Usage Context
Physical posture and personal behavior
Environmental changes, reductions in activity
Sensory Association
Visual and tactile
Auditory and abstract
Control
Voluntary action by the individual
Often involuntary, influenced by external factors
Compare with Definitions
Loll
To protrude or dangle softly.
The puppy's tongue lolled out of its mouth.
Lull
To cause a decrease in activity or intensity.
The rain lulled, and we resumed our hike.
Loll
To recline or lean in a relaxed, lazy manner.
She lolled on the sofa all afternoon.
Lull
To calm or send to sleep, often with soothing sounds or movements.
She lulled the baby to sleep with a gentle hum.
Loll
To hang loosely or droop.
His head lolled to the side as he dozed off.
Lull
A temporary period of quiet or calm.
There was a brief lull in the conversation.
Loll
To act or move in a relaxed or lazy way.
They lolled around the park, enjoying the sun.
Lull
To experience a reduction in environmental noise or activity.
The city lulled at night, offering a rare silence.
Loll
To exist in a state of comfort or laziness.
Lolling by the pool, he forgot all his worries.
Lull
To deceive into security or complacency.
The calm seas lulled the sailors into a false sense of security.
Loll
To move, stand, or recline in an indolent or relaxed manner.
Lull
To cause to sleep or rest; soothe or calm
The sound of the waves lulled me to sleep.
Loll
To hang or droop laxly
A pennant lolling from the mast.
Lull
To deceive into trustfulness
"that honeyed charm that he used so effectively to lull his victims" (S.J. Perelman).
Loll
To permit to hang or droop laxly
Lolled his head on the armrest.
Lull
To become calm
The wind finally lulled.
Loll
(intransitive) To act lazily or indolently while reclining; to lean; to lie at ease.
Lull
A relatively calm interval, as in a storm.
Loll
(intransitive) To hang extended from the mouth, like the tongue of an animal heated from exertion.
Lull
An interval of lessened activity
A lull in sales.
Loll
(ambitransitive) To let (the tongue) hang from the mouth in this way.
The ox stood lolling in the furrow.
Lull
A period of rest or soothing.
Loll
To act lazily or indolently; to recline; to lean; to throw one's self down; to lie at ease; as, to loll around the house on a lazy summer day.
Void of care, he lolls supine in state.
Lull
A period of reduced activity; a respite
Loll
To hand extended from the mouth, as the tongue of an ox or a log when heated with labor or exertion.
The triple porter of the Stygian seat,With lolling tongue, lay fawning at thy feet.
Lull
(nautical) A period without waves or wind.
Loll
To let the tongue hang from the mouth, as an ox, dog, or other animal, when heated by labor; as, the ox stood lolling in the furrow.
Lull
(surfing) An extended pause between sets of waves.
Loll
To let hang from the mouth, as the tongue.
Fierce tigers couched around and lolled their fawning tongues.
Lull
(transitive) To cause to rest by soothing influences; to compose; to calm
Loll
Hang loosely or laxly;
His tongue lolled
Lull
(intransitive) To become gradually calm; to subside; to cease or abate.
The storm lulled.
Loll
Be lazy or idle;
Her son is just bumming around all day
Lull
To cause to rest by soothing influences; to compose; to calm; to soothe; to quiet.
Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie,To lull the daughters of necessity.
Lull
To become gradually calm; to subside; to cease or abate for a time; as, the storm lulls.
Lull
The power or quality of soothing; that which soothes; a lullaby.
Lull
A temporary cessation of storm or confusion.
Lull
A pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished;
There was never a letup in the noise
Lull
A period of calm weather;
There was a lull in the storm
Lull
Calm by deception;
Don't let yourself be lulled into a false state of security
Lull
Become quiet or less intensive;
The fighting lulled for a moment
Lull
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Common Curiosities
Can "loll" have a positive connotation?
While typically negative, implying laziness, "loll" can also suggest relaxation and comfort.
How is loll used in a sentence?
"After the long trek, he lolled on the grass, utterly exhausted."
What does loll mean?
Loll refers to relaxing or reclining lazily, often implying a casual, comfortable posture.
Can loll imply motion?
Loll can imply a slight, lazy movement, such as a head drooping sleepily.
Is a lull always peaceful?
While usually peaceful, a lull can also signify a deceptive quietness that precedes unexpected changes.
How is lull used in a sentence?
"The gentle rain provided a lull in the summer heat."
What does lull mean?
Lull means a temporary pause or decrease in activity, often creating a calm environment.
What is an example of a lull in nature?
A lull in the wind before a storm is a common natural example.
What type of environments can lull be used to describe?
Lull can describe various environments, from a quiet office to crowded place.
What is an example of loll in physical behavior?
An example is someone lolling back in a chair during a break.
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Written 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.
Co-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.
