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Wail vs Sniffle - What's the difference?

wail | sniffle |

In lang=en terms the difference between wail and sniffle

is that wail is to lament; to bewail; to grieve over while sniffle is to make a whimpering or sniffing sound when breathing because of a runny nose.

As nouns the difference between wail and sniffle

is that wail is a prolonged cry, usually high-pitched, especially as of grief or anguish while sniffle is the act, or the sound of sniffling; the condition of having a runny or wet nose, as from a cold or allergies.

As verbs the difference between wail and sniffle

is that wail is to cry out, as in sorrow or anguish or wail can be (obsolete) to choose; to select while sniffle is to make a whimpering or sniffing sound when breathing because of a runny nose.

wail

English

Etymology 1

Probably from (etyl) Etymology in Webster's Dictionary

Noun

(en noun)
  • A prolonged cry, usually high-pitched, especially as of grief or anguish.
    • She let out a loud, doleful wail .
  • Any similar sound as of lamentation; a howl.
    • The wail of snow-dark winter winds.
    A bird's wail in the night.
  • A sound made by emergency vehicle sirens, contrasted with "yelp" which is higher-pitched and faster.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.
  • To weep, lament persistently or bitterly.
  • To make a noise like mourning or crying.
    • The wind wailed and the rain streamed down.
  • To lament; to bewail; to grieve over.
    • to wail one's death
    (Shakespeare)
  • (slang, music) To perform with great liveliness and force.
  • *
  • *
  • *
    • Derived terms
    * wailer * wailingly
    References

    Etymology 2

    Compare Icelandic word for "choice".

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To choose; to select.
  • * Henryson
    • Wailed wine and meats
    (Webster 1913) English terms with homophones

    sniffle

    English

    Verb

    (sniffl)
  • To make a whimpering or sniffing sound when breathing because of a runny nose.
    • Sonia sniffled a little, and her eyes were puffy and wet.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act, or the sound of sniffling; the condition of having a runny or wet nose, as from a cold or allergies.
    • I sometimes have a sniffle during allergy season.