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.

Thaw vs Haw - What's the difference?

thaw | haw |

As a verb thaw

is to melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; — said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws specifically by gradual warming.

As a noun thaw

is the melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost.

As a proper noun haw is

.

thaw

English

Alternative forms

* (l)

Verb

(en verb)
  • To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; — said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws. Specifically by gradual warming
  • To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; — said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
  • (figuratively) To grow gentle or genial.
  • To cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve. Specifically by gradual warming.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost
  • a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed. —.

    • See also

    * unthaw, dethaw

    Anagrams

    * * * English ergative verbs

    haw

    English

    Etymology 1

    Imitative

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • An imitation of laughter, often used to express scorn or disbelief. Often doubled or tripled (haw haw'' or ''haw haw haw ).
    • You think that song was good? Haw!
  • An intermission or hesitation of speech, with a sound somewhat like "haw"; the sound so made.
  • * Congreve
    • Hums or haws .
    Usage notes
    * (an imitation of laughter) In the US, the spelling haw is rare, with (ha) being more common.

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To stop, in speaking, with a sound like haw ; to speak with interruption and hesitation.
    • Derived terms
    * hum and haw, hem and haw

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) hawe, from (etyl) ).

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Fruit of the hawthorn.
  • (historical) A hedge.

    • Etymology 3

    Unknown

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • An instruction for a horse or other animal to turn towards the driver, typically left.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • (of an animal) To turn towards the driver, typically to the left.
    • This horse won't haw when I tell him to.
  • To cause (an animal) to turn left.
    • You may have to go to the front of the pack and physically haw the lead dog.
    Derived terms
    * gee haw whimmy diddle * haw and gee, haw and gee about
    Antonyms
    * (to turn left) gee * (to cause to turn left) gee

    Etymology 4

    Uncertain.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (anatomy) The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane.
    • (Webster 1913)

    Anagrams

    * * ----