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Guffaw vs Chuckle - What's the difference?

guffaw | chuckle |

Chuckle is a synonym of guffaw.



As nouns the difference between guffaw and chuckle

is that guffaw is a boisterous laugh while chuckle is a quiet laugh.

As verbs the difference between guffaw and chuckle

is that guffaw is to laugh boisterously while chuckle is to laugh quietly or inwardly.

guffaw

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A boisterous laugh
  • *
    • On opening the little door, two hairy monsters flew at my throat, bearing me down, and extinguishing the light; while a mingled guffaw from Heathcliff and Hareton put the copestone on my rage and humiliation.
  • * 1906 , , ch. xx,
    • He walked to the edge and they heard his hoarse guffaw of laughter as the arrows clanged and clattered against his impenetrable mail.
  • * 1936 , , ch. 15,
    • He heaved up with a sulfurous curse, braced his legs and glared about him, with a burst of coarse guffaws in his ears and the reek of unwashed bodies in his nostrils.

    Synonyms

    * (boisterous laugh) belly laugh

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To laugh boisterously.
  • * 1891 , , ch. 15,
    • He guffawed at his adversaries.
  • * 1900 , ,
    • Peter, on the contrary, threw back his head and guffawed thunderously.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    chuckle

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A quiet laugh.

    • Synonyms

    * chortle * giggle * snigger * titter

    Verb

  • To laugh quietly or inwardly.
  • (archaic) To make the sound of a chicken; to cluck.
  • (archaic) To call together, or call to follow, as a hen calls her chickens; to cluck.
    • (Dryden)
  • (archaic) To fondle; to indulge or pamper.
    • (Dryden)

    Synonyms

    * See also