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Ditty vs Ballad - What's the difference?

ditty | ballad |

As nouns the difference between ditty and ballad

is that ditty is a short verse or tune while ballad is a kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

As verbs the difference between ditty and ballad

is that ditty is to sing; to warble a little tune while ballad is (obsolete) to make mention of in ballads.

ditty

English

Noun

(ditties)
  • A short verse or tune.
    • The Acme mattress ditty has been stuck in my head all day.
  • * Milton
    • Religious, martial, or civil ditties.
  • * Sandys
    • And to the warbling lute soft ditties sing.
  • A saying or utterance, especially one that is short and frequently repeated.
  • * Spenser
    • O, too high ditty for my simple rhyme.

    Verb

  • To sing; to warble a little tune.
  • * Herbert
    • Beasts fain would sing; birds ditty to their notes.

    See also

    * ditty bag * doggerel * jingle

    ballad

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
    • The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander.
  • A slow romantic pop song.
    • On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers.

    Quotations

    * 1885, *: A wandering minstrel I — *: A thing of shreds and patches, *: Of ballads , songs and snatches,

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.
  • To compose or sing ballads.