What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Commotion vs Fuss - What's the difference?

commotion | fuss |

As nouns the difference between commotion and fuss

is that commotion is a state of turbulent motion while fuss is excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.

As a verb fuss is

to be very worried or excited about something, often too much.

commotion

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A state of turbulent motion.
  • An agitated disturbance or a hubbub.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
  • , chapter=19 citation , passage=When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. He had him gripped firmly by the arm, since he felt it was not safe to let him loose, and he had no immediate idea what to do with him.}}
  • (euphemistic) Sexual excitement.
  • {{quote-Fanny Hill, part=3 , and now, glancing my eyes towards that part of his dress which cover'd the essential object of enjoyment, I plainly discover'd the swell and commotion there}}

    Derived terms

    *

    Synonyms

    * See also

    fuss

    English

    Noun

    (es)
  • Excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.
  • * (Thomas Carlyle) (1795-1881)
  • zealously, assiduously, and with a minimum of fuss or noise
  • *{{quote-book, year=1935, author= George Goodchild
  • , title=Death on the Centre Court, chapter=1 , passage=“Anthea hasn't a notion in her head but to vamp a lot of silly mugwumps. She's set her heart on that tennis bloke
  • # A complaint or noise.
  • # An exhibition of affection or admiration.
  • One who is unduly anxious about trifles.
  • * (1837-1920)
  • I am a fuss and I don't deny it.

    Verb

    (es)
  • To be very worried or excited about something, often too much.
  • His grandmother will never quit fussing over his vegetarianism.
  • To fiddle; fidget; wiggle, or adjust; to worry something
  • Quit fussing with your hair. It looks fine.
  • (especially of babies) To cry or be ill-humoured.
  • Usage notes

    * Generally used with with, over, or about.

    Verb

    (head)
  • To show affection for, especially animals.
  • To pet.
  • He fussed the cat.

    Derived terms

    * fussy * fuss and bother * no muss no fuss

    References