Loud vs. Quiet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Loud refers to a strong intensity of sound, while Quiet signifies a lack or low level of noise.
Difference Between Loud and Quiet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Loud commonly refers to sounds that are strong and intense to the ears. These sounds can be jarring or even overwhelming at times. Conversely, Quiet represents the absence or minimal presence of noise, suggesting calmness or serenity. It offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of louder surroundings.
While Loud environments, like concerts or busy streets, can invigorate some, they can also cause discomfort or stress for others. In contrast, Quiet settings, such as libraries or tranquil parks, provide a space for reflection, relaxation, or focused work.
Loud often demands attention. A loud noise can serve as a warning, an announcement, or an element to capture one's focus. Quiet, on the other hand, is subtle and might require one to pay closer attention to discern the nuances in the environment.
Amplifiers, speakers, and certain instruments are designed to produce Loud sounds and resonate with audiences in vast spaces. In contrast, Quiet moments are often associated with whispering, soft melodies, or the gentle rustling of leaves, emphasizing intimacy and closeness.
Culturally, being Loud can sometimes be associated with assertiveness or extroversion, whereas being Quiet might be linked with introversion or contemplation. However, these are broad generalizations and may not apply universally.
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Comparison Chart
Intensity
High intensity of sound.
Low or no intensity of sound.
Demand on Attention
Grabs or demands attention.
Requires closer attention to discern nuances.
Associated Environment
Concerts, busy streets.
Libraries, tranquil parks.
Cultural Implication
Often associated with assertiveness or extroversion.
Linked with introversion or contemplation.
Usage in Expression
"Loud and clear" indicating clarity and undeniable presence.
"Quiet as a mouse" indicating subtlety or discretion.
Compare with Definitions
Loud
Producing a high volume or intensity of sound.
The fireworks were so loud they startled the baby.
Quiet
Free from disturbance or tumult; calm.
They had a quiet dinner together.
Loud
Emphasized; strongly stated.
He made his opinions loud and clear.
Quiet
Expressed in a restrained or understated manner.
She gave him a quiet smile.
Loud
Expressive or flashy in appearance or style.
He wore a loud shirt to the party.
Quiet
Making little or no noise
I was as quiet as I could be, but he knew I was there
The car has a quiet, economical engine
Loud
Demanding to be noticed; obtrusive.
Her loud laughter could be heard from the other room.
Quiet
Carried out discreetly, secretly, or with moderation
We wanted a quiet wedding
I'll have a quiet word with him
Loud
Resounding with deep, rich sound.
The loud gong signaled the start of the ceremony.
Quiet
Absence of noise or bustle; silence; calm
The ringing of the telephone shattered the early morning quiet
Loud
Producing or capable of producing much noise
They were kept awake by loud music
His voice is loud and challenging
Quiet
Make or become silent, calm, or still
The journalists quieted down as Judy stepped on to the dais
There are ways of quieting kids down
Loud
With a great deal of volume
They shouted as loud as they could
Quiet
Making or characterized by little or no noise
A quiet library.
A quiet street.
A quiet, well tuned engine.
Loud
Characterized by high volume and intensity. Used of sound
A loud whistle.
Quiet
Free of turmoil and agitation; calm
A quiet lake.
A quiet place in the country.
Loud
Producing sound of high volume and intensity
A loud construction work site.
Quiet
Providing or allowing relaxation; restful; soothing
A quiet afternoon nap.
A quiet tune on the flute.
Loud
Clamorous and insistent
Loud denials.
Quiet
Not showy or bright; subdued
A room decorated in quiet colors.
Loud
Having strikingly bright colors
A loud necktie. See garish.
Quiet
Restrained, as in style; understated
A quiet strength.
A quiet life.
Loud
Having a very strong or overpowering odor.
Quiet
Out of public scrutiny; known or discussed by few
Wanted to keep the incident quiet until after the election.
Loud
In a loud manner.
Quiet
The quality or condition of being quiet
"A menacing quiet fills the empty streets" (Time).
Loud
(of a sound) Of great intensity.
Turn that music down; it's too loud.
What was that? It sounded like a really loud sneeze.
Quiet
To cause to become quiet
The teacher quieted the students.
Loud
(of a person, thing, event, etc.) Noisy.
A loud party that went on all night
Quiet
To make (a title) secure by freeing from uncertainties or adverse claims as to the ownership.
Loud
(of a person, event, etc.) Not subtle or reserved, brash.
Quiet
To become quiet
The child wouldn't quiet down for me.
Loud
(of clothing, decorations, etc.) Having unpleasantly and tastelessly contrasting colours or patterns; gaudy.
A loud style of dress;
Loud colors
Quiet
With little or no sound; free of disturbing noise.
I can't hear the music; it is too quiet.
Loud
High-quality; premium; (by extension) having a strong or pungent odour indicating good quality.
Quiet
Having little motion or activity; calm.
The sea was quiet
A quiet night at home
All quiet on the Western front
Loud
(colloquial) A loud sound or part of a sound.
Quiet
Not busy, of low quantity.
The traffic was quiet for a Monday morning.
Business was quiet for the season.
Loud
High-quality marijuana.
Quiet
Not talking much or not talking loudly; reserved.
He's a very quiet man usually, but is very chatty after a few beers.
Loud
Loudly.
Quiet
Not showy; undemonstrative.
A quiet dress
Quiet colours
A quiet movement
Loud
Having, making, or being a strong or great sound; noisy; striking the ear with great force; as, a loud cry; loud thunder.
They were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified.
Quiet
(software) Requiring little or no interaction.
A quiet install
Loud
Clamorous; boisterous.
She is loud and stubborn.
Quiet
(transitive) To cause (someone or something) to become quiet.
Can you quiet your child? He’s making lots of noise.
The umpire quieted the crowd so the game could continue in peace.
Loud
Emphatic; impressive; urgent; as, a loud call for united effort.
Quiet
(intransitive) To become quiet or calm.
When you quiet, we can start talking.
Loud
Ostentatious; likely to attract attention; gaudy; as, a loud style of dress; loud colors.
Quiet
The absence of sound; quietness.
There was a strange quiet in the normally very lively plaza.
We need a bit of quiet before we can start the show.
Loud
With loudness; loudly.
To speak loud in public assemblies.
Quiet
The absence of movement; stillness, tranquility.
Loud
Characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity;
A group of loud children
Loud thunder
Her voice was too loud
Loud trombones
Quiet
The absence of disturbance or trouble; peace, security.
Loud
Tastelessly showy;
A flash car
A flashy ring
Garish colors
A gaudy costume
Loud sport shirts
A meretricious yet stylish book
Tawdry ornaments
Quiet
Be quiet.
Quiet! The children are sleeping.
Loud
Used chiefly as a direction or description in music;
The forte passages in the composition
Quiet
In a state of rest or calm; without stir, motion, or agitation; still; as, a quiet sea; quiet air.
They . . . were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.
Loud
With relatively high volume;
The band played loudly
She spoke loudly and angrily
He spoke loud enough for those at the back of the room to hear him
Cried aloud for help
Quiet
Free from noise or disturbance; hushed; still.
Quiet
Not excited or anxious; calm; peaceful; placid; settled; as, a quiet life; a quiet conscience.
That son, who on the quiet state of manSuch trouble brought.
Quiet
Not giving offense; not exciting disorder or trouble; not turbulent; gentle; mild; meek; contented.
The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.
I will sit as quiet as a lamb.
Quiet
Not showy; not such as to attract attention; undemonstrative; as, a quiet dress; quiet colors; a quiet movement.
Quiet
The quality or state of being quiet, or in repose; as an hour or a time of quiet.
Quiet
Freedom from disturbance, noise, or alarm; stillness; tranquillity; peace; security.
And join with thee, calm Peace and Quiet.
Quiet
To stop motion in; to still; to reduce to a state of rest, or of silence.
Quiet
To calm; to appease; to pacify; to lull; to allay; to tranquillize; as, to quiet the passions; to quiet clamors or disorders; to quiet pain or grief.
Quiet yourselves, I pray, and be at peace.
Quiet
To become still, silent, or calm; - often with down; as, be soon quieted down.
Quiet
A period of calm weather;
There was a lull in the storm
Quiet
An untroubled state; free from disturbances
Quiet
The absence of sound;
He needed silence in order to sleep
The street was quiet
Quiet
A disposition free from stress or emotion
Quiet
Become quiet or quieter;
The audience fell silent when the speaker entered
Quiet
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Quiet
Characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity;
A quiet life
A quiet throng of onlookers
Quiet peace-loving people
The factions remained quiet for almost 10 years
Quiet
Free of noise or uproar; or making little if any sound;
A quiet audience at the concert
The room was dark and quiet
Quiet
Not showy or obtrusive;
Clothes in quiet good taste
Quiet
In a softened tone;
Hushed voices
Muted trumpets
A subdued whisper
A quiet reprimand
Quiet
Without untoward incident or disruption;
A placid existence
Quiet times
Quiet
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Quiet
Of the sun; characterized by a low level of surface phenomena like sun spots e.g.
Quiet
With little or no activity or no agitation (`quiet' is a nonstandard variant for `quietly');
Her hands rested quietly in her lap
The rock star was quietly led out the back door
Sit here as quiet as you can
Quiet
Making very little noise.
The forest was quiet except for the chirping of birds.
Quiet
Carrying out actions discreetly or without publicity.
They made a quiet exit from the event.
Quiet
Not busy or active.
Business has been quiet this week.
Common Curiosities
Is "loud" only used for sounds?
No, "loud" can also describe appearances or styles that are flashy.
Can music be both loud and quiet in one piece?
Yes, many compositions have loud crescendos and quiet decrescendos.
Is being loud always negative?
No, being loud can be positive in situations like cheering or celebrations.
Can a person be quiet but have loud thoughts?
Yes, someone can be externally quiet but have intense internal thoughts.
Why do libraries promote being quiet?
Libraries promote quiet to offer a conducive environment for reading and studying.
Can silence be louder than noise metaphorically?
Yes, metaphorically, "silence is deafening" means absence of response can be very impactful.
Is a whisper considered quiet?
Yes, a whisper is a soft or quiet way of speaking.
Can a place be both loud and quiet at different times?
Yes, a park might be loud during the day and quiet at night.
Can a "loud" color be actually quiet in volume?
Yes, "loud" in terms of color refers to its vibrancy, not its sound.
Does "loud" always mean noisy?
Mostly, but it can also refer to being garish or flashy in non-auditory contexts.
Can loud sounds harm hearing?
Yes, prolonged exposure to very loud sounds can cause hearing damage.
Can quietness be uncomfortable?
For some, too much quiet can feel eerie or unsettling.
Can someone have a loud personality?
Yes, a "loud" personality usually means they're outgoing and expressive.
Are there benefits to seeking quiet moments?
Yes, quiet moments can reduce stress and improve concentration.
Why might someone seek a quiet place?
For relaxation, focus, meditation, or escape from noise.
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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.
