Shouts Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈʃaʊts/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Verb

Definition

A loud and sudden cry or shout, often used to express surprise, excitement, or alarm.

Examples

• The crowd erupted in shouts of excitement as the fireworks went off.
• She let out a loud shout of dismay when she realized her keys were missing.

Synonyms

• Cry
• Yell
• Scream

Antonyms

• Whisper
• Murmur

Additional Information

Shouts can be used to express a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anger and frustration. They are often accompanied by gestures or facial expressions that convey the emotional intensity of the shout. In some cultures, shouts are used as a form of communication or expression, while in others, they are viewed as impolite or unacceptable behavior.

Despite the differences in cultural norms, shouts continue to play an important role in human communication, serving as a powerful way to express emotions and connect with others.

Etymology

The word “Shouts” originates from Old English “scott”, meaning “to shout” or “to cry out”. This word is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic “skeutan”, which was also the source of the Modern German “schreien”, meaning “to scream”.

Usage Notes

When using the word “Shouts” as a noun, it is often used in the plural form to refer to multiple loud cries or shouts. As a verb, it can be used in the present tense to describe an action, such as “She is shouting loudly”.

Cultural References

Shouts have appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, the iconic novel “The Shouters” by French writer Georges Perec features a group of people who shout for no apparent reason.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Shout it from the rooftops” – to proclaim something loudly or publicly.
• “Shout it out” – to express an opinion or thought loudly and clearly.

Related Words or Phrases

• Cry
• Yell
• Scream
• Shriek

Collocations

• Shout with joy
• Shout in anger
• Shout out of excitement

Frequency of Use

The word “Shouts” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in informal settings. According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “Shouts” appears in approximately 1 in every 5000 words in written English.

Common Misspellings

• Shoutz
• Shout’s
• Shoutsing