Noise vs. Racket — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Noise refers to any unwanted or disturbing sound, while racket specifically denotes loud, unpleasant, and disruptive noise, often associated with chaos or commotion.
Difference Between Noise and Racket
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noise encompasses a broad spectrum of sounds, generally considered undesirable or disruptive to one's environment. Whereas racket is a type of noise that is particularly loud and harsh, frequently causing irritation or inconvenience.
Noise can be encountered in various forms such as traffic sounds, barking dogs, or the hum of a refrigerator, which might be mildly annoying or simply part of the background. On the other hand, racket implies a higher level of disturbance, like the clatter of construction equipment or loud music at a party, which significantly disrupts normal activities.
In terms of regulation, noise pollution laws might address general noise levels in an environment to ensure public health and comfort. However, the term racket often comes into play in legal contexts where specific, excessively loud sounds exceed permissible decibel levels, leading to enforcement actions.
Noise can be subjective; what is considered noise to one person might be pleasant or negligible to another. Conversely, racket is almost universally acknowledged as unpleasant and typically has few defenders who appreciate the disturbance it causes.
While noise can be constant or variable, low or high, the term racket is used specifically to describe scenarios where the noise is not only loud but also chaotic, such as arguments or broken machinery, which adds to the stress or annoyance experienced.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Unwanted or disturbing sound
Loud, unpleasant, disruptive noise
Examples
Traffic, conversation, appliances
Construction noise, loud parties
Perception
Can be subjective
Generally considered disruptive by most
Legal Relevance
Addressed by noise pollution laws
Often cited in complaints for excessive noise
Psychological Impact
Varies from mild annoyance to distress
Often causes significant irritation
Compare with Definitions
Noise
Can be a nuisance but is sometimes just background sound.
Office noise often includes typing and quiet conversation.
Racket
Typically seen as a clear annoyance or disturbance.
The racket made by the old factory machinery was a nuisance to all nearby.
Noise
Any unwanted sound that disturbs the environment.
The noise from the nearby road made it hard to sleep at night.
Racket
Frequently disruptive to peace and quiet.
The racket during the festival made normal conversation impossible.
Noise
Environmental noise includes natural and human-made sounds.
Urban areas are full of environmental noise from cars to construction.
Racket
Excessively loud and disturbing noise.
The racket from the upstairs apartment was unbearable last night.
Noise
Can vary in intensity and type, affecting different people in different ways.
She found the noise of the rain soothing, unlike the traffic sounds.
Racket
Can lead to complaints or legal issues due to its intensity.
They called the police to report the racket coming from the late-night party.
Noise
Often regulated to prevent noise pollution.
Noise ordinances restrict how loud music can be after 10 PM.
Racket
Often associated with human activities causing significant disturbances.
The construction site was a constant source of racket throughout the day.
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound considered unpleasant, loud or disruptive to hearing. From a physics standpoint, noise is indistinguishable from desired sound, as both are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water.
Racket
A bat with a round or oval frame strung with catgut, nylon, etc., used especially in tennis, badminton, and squash
A squash racket
Noise
A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance
Making a noise like a pig
What's that rustling noise outside the door?
Racket
A loud unpleasant noise; a din
The kids were making a racket
Noise
Irregular fluctuations that accompany a transmitted electrical signal but are not part of it and tend to obscure it
The enhancer can improve the video signal quality, reducing noise and increasing image sharpness
Racket
An illegal or dishonest scheme for obtaining money
A protection racket
Noise
Talk about or make known publicly
You've discovered something that should not be noised about
Racket
Make or move with a loud unpleasant noise
Trains racketed by
Noise
Make much noise
Rook, crow and jackdaw—noising loud
Racket
Enjoy oneself socially; go in pursuit of pleasure or entertainment
A fabulous car for racketing around Paris
Noise
Sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.
Racket
A device consisting of an oval or circular frame with a tight interlaced network of strings and a handle, used to strike a ball or shuttlecock in various games.
Noise
Sound or a sound of any kind
The only noise was the wind in the pines.
Racket
A wooden paddle, as one used in table tennis.
Noise
A loud outcry or commotion
The noise of the mob.
A lot of noise over the new law.
Racket
A snowshoe.
Noise
(Physics) A disturbance, especially a random and persistent disturbance, that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal.
Racket
A loud distressing noise.
Noise
(Computers) Irrelevant or meaningless data.
Racket
A dishonest or fraudulent business or practice.
Noise
A complaint or protest.
Racket
Often rackets An illegal moneymaking activity, especially one controlled by organized crime.
Noise
Rumor; talk.
Racket
An easy, profitable means of livelihood.
Noise
Noises Remarks or actions intended to convey a specific impression or to attract attention
"The U.S. is making appropriately friendly noises to the new Socialist Government" (Flora Lewis).
Racket
(Slang) A business or occupation.
Noise
To spread the rumor or report of.
Racket
To make or move with a loud distressing noise.
Noise
(uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
He knew that it was trash day, when the garbage collectors made all the noise.
Racket
To lead an active social life.
Noise
Any sound.
The sudden noise made everyone jump.
She crept up behind him not making a noise.
Racket
An implement with a handle connected to a round frame strung with wire, sinew, or plastic cords, and used to hit a ball, such as in tennis or a birdie in badminton.
Noise
Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
Racket
(Canada) A snowshoe formed of cords stretched across a long and narrow frame of light wood.
Noise
(technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
Signal-to-noise ratio
Racket
A broad wooden shoe or patten for a man or horse, to allow walking on marshy or soft ground.
Noise
Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
Racket
A loud noise.
Power tools work quickly, but they sure make a racket.
With all the racket they're making, I can't hear myself think!
What's all this racket?
Noise
(genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
Racket
An illegal scheme for profit; a fraud or swindle; or both coinstantiated.
Prostitution and gambling controlled by rackets
They had quite a racket devised to relieve customers of their money.
Noise
Rumour or complaint.
The problems with the new computer system are causing a lot of noise at Head Office.
Racket
A carouse; any reckless dissipation.
Noise
(informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
Racket
Something taking place considered as exciting, trying, unusual, etc. or as an ordeal.
Noise
(obsolete) Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
Racket
To strike with, or as if with, a racket.
Noise
(music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
Racket
(intransitive) To make a clattering noise.
Noise
(intransitive) To make a noise; to sound.
Racket
To be dissipated; to carouse.
Noise
(transitive) To spread news of; to spread as rumor or gossip.
Racket
A thin strip of wood, having the ends brought together, forming a somewhat elliptical hoop, across which a network of catgut or cord is stretched. It is furnished with a handle, and is used for catching or striking a ball in tennis and similar games.
Each one [of the Indians] has a bat curved like a crosier, and ending in a racket.
Noise
Sound of any kind.
The heavens turn about in a most rapid motion without noiseto us perceived.
Racket
A variety of the game of tennis played with peculiar long-handled rackets; - chiefly in the plural.
Noise
Especially, loud, confused, or senseless sound; clamor; din.
Racket
A snowshoe formed of cords stretched across a long and narrow frame of light wood.
Noise
Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
The king has his noise of gypsies.
Racket
A broad wooden shoe or patten for a man or horse, to enable him to step on marshy or soft ground.
Noise
To sound; to make a noise.
Racket
Confused, clattering noise; din; noisy talk or sport.
Noise
To spread by rumor or report.
All these sayings were noised abroad.
Racket
A carouse; any reckless dissipation.
Noise
To disturb with noise.
Racket
A scheme, dodge, trick, or the like; something taking place considered as exciting, trying, unusual, or the like; also, such occurrence considered as an ordeal; as, to work a racket; to stand upon the racket.
Noise
Sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound);
He enjoyed the street noises
They heard indistinct noises of people talking
During the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels
Racket
An organized illegal activity, such as illegal gambling, bootlegging, or extortion.
Noise
The auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience;
Modern music is just noise to me
Racket
To strike with, or as with, a racket.
Poor man [is] racketed from one temptation to another.
Noise
Electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
Racket
To make a confused noise or racket.
Noise
A loud outcry of protest or complaint;
The announcement of the election recount caused a lot of noise
Whatever it was he didn't like it and he was going to let them know by making as loud a noise as he could
Racket
To engage in noisy sport; to frolic.
Noise
Incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks;
All the noise in his speech concealed the fact that he didn't have anything to say
Racket
To carouse or engage in dissipation.
Noise
The quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
Racket
A loud and disturbing noise
Noise
Emit a noise
Racket
An illegal enterprise (such as extortion or fraud or drug peddling or prostitution) carried on for profit
Racket
The auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience;
Modern music is just noise to me
Racket
A sports implement (usually consisting of a handle and an oval frame with a tightly interlaced network of strings) used to strike a ball (or shuttlecock) in various games
Racket
Celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities;
The members of the wedding party made merry all night
Let's whoop it up--the boss is gone!
Racket
Make loud and annoying noises
Racket
Hit (a ball) with a racket
Common Curiosities
What are common sources of racket?
Common sources include loud music, construction sites, and large gatherings.
Can noise ever be pleasant?
Yes, whether noise is pleasant can be subjective; for example, some people enjoy the sound of a busy café or rain.
How do noise ordinances typically address racket?
Noise ordinances often set specific limits on decibel levels and times when loud noise is permissible to prevent racket.
What is the main difference between noise and racket?
Noise refers broadly to any unwanted sound, while racket specifically refers to particularly loud and disruptive noise.
Why is racket considered more disturbing than general noise?
Racket is specifically loud and chaotic, making it more likely to interrupt activities and cause stress or annoyance.
What can be done if a neighbor is causing a racket?
One might first approach the neighbor directly or, if that fails, resort to filing a complaint with local authorities or law enforcement.
What are the penalties for causing a racket?
Penalties can include fines, warnings, and in severe cases, legal action.
Is there a specific decibel level that defines racket?
While specific levels can vary by jurisdiction, racket is generally considered at higher decibel levels that breach local sound ordinances.
How do businesses handle complaints about racket?
Businesses typically try to minimize racket through soundproofing and adhering to local sound regulations to avoid disturbing the community.
How is racket measured?
Racket is measured in decibels using sound meters, often by authorities to ensure compliance with noise regulations.
Is racket always associated with human activity?
Mostly, yes, as it often involves activities like construction or parties, but it can also include very loud natural events.
Are there health impacts associated with prolonged exposure to racket?
Yes, prolonged exposure to racket can lead to stress, hearing loss, and other health issues.
How do cultural perceptions of noise and racket differ?
Cultural perceptions can vary, with some cultures more tolerant of certain noises and less so of others, impacting what is classified as noise or racket.
Can wearing headphones help reduce the impact of racket?
Yes, headphones, especially noise-cancelling ones, can mitigate the impact of racket.
Can both noise and racket be managed in urban planning?
Yes, effective urban planning can manage and reduce both noise and racket through zoning laws, soundproofing regulations, and strategic design of public spaces.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
