Is bellow a polite word?

Not usually. It often sounds harsh, angry, or very forceful.

What is the difference between bellow and shout?

Bellow is louder, deeper, and rougher than shout.

Yes. Large animals like cows or bulls can bellow.

Is bellow common in formal writing?

It is more common in stories, descriptions, and reports than in formal business writing.

← Dictionary

bellow

/ˈbel.əʊ/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To shout in a very loud, deep voice, usually in anger, pain, or as a command.

The coach bellowed at the players.
He bellowed for help across the street.
She bellowed his name from the doorway.

noun

A very loud, deep shout or sound.

We heard a bellow from the crowd.
His bellow echoed through the hall.
The lion gave a deep bellow.

Adinary Nuance

Bellow is stronger and rougher than shout. It often suggests a deep, booming voice, and it can sound angry, forceful, or even animal-like. Use yell for a louder cry in general, but bellow when the sound feels heavy and harsh.

In other languages

Vietnamese: rống lên
Spanish: rugir
Chinese: 吼叫
Japanese: 大声で怒鳴る
Korean: 고함치다

Etymology

Bellow comes from Old English bellan, meaning “to roar or shout.” It has been used in English since early medieval times.

Common phrases

bellow in angerbellow with laughterbellow at someonea loud bellow

Synonyms

roar shout yell cry out

Related words

call scream noise command

Frequently asked questions

Is bellow a polite word?: Not usually. It often sounds harsh, angry, or very forceful.
What is the difference between bellow and shout?: Bellow is louder, deeper, and rougher than shout.
Can animals bellow?: Yes. Large animals like cows or bulls can bellow.
Is bellow common in formal writing?: It is more common in stories, descriptions, and reports than in formal business writing.