Noise vs. sound: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Sound is a more general term for anything that can be heard and encompasses all types of auditory waves; it can be pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant. Noise, on the other hand, typically refers to unwanted or unpleasant sounds or a sound that is being disruptive.
What they have in common
Both noise and sound refer to auditory phenomena that are detected by the sense of hearing.
Examples
noise
- The construction site produced a lot of noise throughout the day.
- I couldn’t concentrate on my work due to the noise coming from the street.
- The noise of the traffic kept me awake all night.
sound
- The sound of the ocean waves is very calming.
- He heard a strange sound coming from the basement.
- Musicians work tirelessly to produce beautiful sound.
Which one is more common?
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