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Growl vs Scowl - What's the difference?

growl | scowl |

In intransitive terms the difference between growl and scowl

is that growl is to utter a deep guttural sound, as an angry animal; to give forth an angry, grumbling sound while scowl is to look at or repel with a scowl or a frown.

In transitive terms the difference between growl and scowl

is that growl is to express (something) by growling while scowl is to express by a scowl.

growl

English

Alternative forms

* (l) (dialectal) * (l) (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The deep, threatening sound made in the throat by an animal; a grumbling sound.
  • The sound made by a hungry stomach.
  • Derived terms

    * death growl

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To utter a deep guttural sound, as an angry animal; to give forth an angry, grumbling sound.
  • The dog growled at me as I walked past.
  • To express (something) by growling.
  • The old man growled his displeasure at the postman.
  • (software) To send a user a message via the software library.
  • scowl

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The wrinkling of the brows or face in frowning; the expression of displeasure, sullenness, or discontent in the countenance; an angry frown.
  • Hence, gloom; dark or threatening aspect.
  • Derived terms

    * (l), (l)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To wrinkle the brows, as in frowning or displeasure; to put on a frowning look; to look sour, sullen, severe, or angry.
  • * Spenser
  • She scowled and frowned with froward countenance.
  • (by extension) To look gloomy, dark, or threatening; to lower.
  • * Thomson
  • The scowling heavens.
  • To look at or repel with a scowl or a frown.
  • to scowl a rival into submission
  • To express by a scowl.
  • to scowl defiance

    Anagrams

    *