Vociferous vs. Vehement — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Vociferous describes loud and forceful expression, emphasizing volume and intensity; vehement denotes strong feelings or passionate intensity, focusing on emotional depth.
Difference Between Vociferous and Vehement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vociferous is often used to describe someone or something that is loud and insistent, typically in a public context. On the other hand, vehement is used to express forceful emotions or convictions, highlighting the depth and strength of those feelings.
In debate, a vociferous speaker might be noted for their high volume and persistent shouting to make a point. Whereas, a vehement speaker, while possibly also loud, is more notably characterized by the passion and intensity of their argument.
Vociferous behavior can be seen in protests where participants loudly voice their demands or dissatisfaction. Conversely, vehement opposition or support is marked by the fervor and earnestness behind the expressed opinions, regardless of the volume.
The term vociferous is derived from the Latin word "vociferari," meaning to shout or vocalize, which emphasizes the sound aspect. Meanwhile, vehement comes from "vehemens," which can be interpreted as passionate or intense, stressing emotional force.
While vociferous can imply a negative connotation, suggesting noise without substance, vehement typically carries a positive or neutral connotation, implying a deep-seated conviction.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Loud and forceful expression
Strong, passionate intensity
Emphasis
Volume and persistence in speech
Depth of emotion and conviction
Typical Usage
Public protests, debates
Personal convictions, arguments
Origin
Latin "vociferari" (to shout)
Latin "vehemens" (intense)
Connotation
Often negative (noise without substance)
Often positive or neutral (deep conviction)
Compare with Definitions
Vociferous
Making one's feelings known loudly and forcefully.
He was vociferous in his opposition to the new policy.
Vehement
Marked by forceful energy or intensity.
Her vehement denial surprised everyone in the room.
Vociferous
Often related to public expression.
The spokesperson was vociferous in defending the company’s stance.
Vehement
Characterized by deep emotion or conviction.
He spoke with vehement passion about his research.
Vociferous
Characterized by loudness and insistence.
The vociferous crowd made their opinions known during the rally.
Vehement
Often pertains to personal feelings or beliefs.
Vehement supporters gathered to rally for the cause.
Vociferous
Typically involving shouting or loud speaking.
The debate became heated and vociferous.
Vehement
Can be associated with both positive and negative emotions.
His vehement anger was visible to all.
Vociferous
Can imply a lack of substance behind the noise.
Despite the vociferous complaints, there was little evidence to support them.
Vehement
Implies a depth of feeling rather than just noise.
Her arguments were not only loud but vehement.
Vociferous
Expressing or characterized by vehement opinions; loud and forceful
He was a vociferous opponent of the takeover
Vehement
Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense
Her voice was low but vehement
Vehement criticism
Vociferous
Making, given to, or marked by noisy and vehement outcry.
Vehement
Characterized by forcefulness of expression or intensity of emotion or conviction; fervid
A vehement denial.
Vociferous
Making or characterized by a noisy outcry; clamorous.
Vehement
Showing strong feelings; passionate; forceful or intense.
Vociferous
Vocally and forcefully opinionated.
Not even the most vociferous advocates of reform were willing to go to such lengths.
Vehement
Acting with great force; furious; violent; impetuous; forcible; mighty; as, a vehement wind; a vehement torrent; a vehement fire or heat.
Vociferous
Making a loud outcry; clamorous; noisy; as, vociferous heralds.
Vehement
Very ardent; very eager or urgent; very fervent; passionate; as, a vehement affection or passion.
Vociferous
Conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry;
Blatant radios
A clamorous uproar
Strident demands
A vociferous mob
Vehement
Marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid;
Fierce loyalty
In a tearing rage
Vehement dislike
Violent passions
Vehement
Characterized by great force or energy;
Vehement deluges of rain
Vehement clapping
A vehement defense
Common Curiosities
What does vehement mean?
Vehement describes showing strong and passionate intensity in expression.
Is vehement always about anger?
No, vehement can describe any strong emotion, not just anger, including enthusiasm or support.
Is vociferous always negative?
While often negative, suggesting loudness without substance, vociferous can be neutral depending on context.
Can someone be both vociferous and vehement?
Yes, someone can be both vociferous and vehement, expressing their passions loudly and with strong conviction.
Which word would best describe a loud protest?
Vociferous is more suitable for describing the loud aspect of a protest.
Which word would best describe a passionate plea?
Vehement would be more appropriate for a passionate plea, emphasizing the depth of feeling.
Can these terms apply to written expressions?
Yes, both terms can apply to the style and tone in written expressions.
What does vociferous mean?
Vociferous means expressing oneself loudly and insistently.
Can vehement be used to describe support as well as opposition?
Yes, vehement can describe intense support or opposition.
Do these terms share any similarities?
Both can describe intense forms of expression, but vociferous focuses more on volume and vehemence on emotional depth.
How do vociferous and vehement differ in usage?
Vociferous is more about the manner of expression (loud, noisy), while vehement focuses on the emotion behind the expression (passionate, intense).
Which term is more likely to be used in a positive context?
Vehement is more likely to be viewed positively, indicating strong convictions or passions.
What are the origins of these words?
Vociferous comes from Latin "vociferari," meaning to shout, and vehement from "vehemens," meaning intense.
How should one choose between using vociferous or vehement?
Choose vociferous to emphasize loudness and insistence, and vehement for the intensity and depth of emotion.
How are these terms used in legal or formal contexts?
In legal or formal contexts, vociferous might describe loud objections, whereas vehement could refer to strong, persuasive arguments.
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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.
