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Anger vs. Angry — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 7, 2024
Anger is an emotion, while angry is the feeling state or expression of anger.
Anger vs. Angry — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Anger and Angry

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Key Differences

Anger is a basic human emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. On the other hand, angry is an adjective describing the emotional state of feeling or showing anger.
While anger is the broader emotion that encompasses various degrees and manifestations, being angry refers specifically to the state or expression of that emotion. Anger can be experienced internally and can lead to both positive and negative outcomes depending on how it is managed. In contrast, being angry is the external manifestation of that emotion, observable by others through the individual's behavior or expressions.
Anger can serve as a signal, indicating that something needs to change or that an injustice has occurred. It can motivate individuals to address grievances or to advocate for change. Conversely, the state of being angry is often associated with the immediate reaction to a situation, which might not always lead to constructive outcomes if not managed properly.
Both anger and being angry are natural responses to perceived threats and can be part of healthy emotional regulation when expressed appropriately. However, it's important to differentiate between the emotion itself and the state of expressing that emotion, as understanding this distinction can aid in managing emotional responses more effectively.

Comparison Chart

Definition

An emotion characterized by antagonism toward something or someone perceived as having caused harm.
The feeling or expression of anger.
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Type

Noun (an emotion).
Adjective (describes a state or expression).

Manifestation

Can be internal (felt) or external (expressed).
Primarily external (observable expression).

Purpose

Can signal a problem or injustice, motivating solutions or change.
Indicates the immediate emotional reaction to a situation.

Outcome

Can lead to positive or negative outcomes depending on management.
Often associated with immediate, sometimes impulsive reactions.

Compare with Definitions

Anger

Emotion of antagonism and displeasure.
Anger bubbled up in him as he heard the unfair accusation.

Angry

Feeling or showing anger.
She was angry about the canceled plans.

Anger

A signal for change.
His anger at the situation motivated him to start a petition.

Angry

State of being upset or irritated.
He was angry with himself for making the mistake.

Anger

Can be constructive if managed.
They used their anger to fuel a peaceful protest.

Angry

Manifestation of displeasure.
Her angry outburst surprised her colleagues.

Anger

Response to perceived injustice.
She felt a surge of anger at the news of the corruption scandal.

Angry

An observable emotional condition.
The child's angry tears showed his frustration.

Anger

A part of emotional regulation.
Learning to manage anger is crucial for emotional health.

Angry

Expression through tone or behavior.
His angry voice made everyone pay attention.

Anger

Anger, also known as wrath or rage, is an intense emotional state involving a strong uncomfortable and non-cooperative response to a perceived provocation, hurt or threat.A person experiencing anger will often experience physical effects, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Some view anger as an emotion which triggers part of the fight or flight response.

Angry

Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility; full of anger
Why are you angry with me?
I'm angry that she didn't call me

Anger

A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility
The colonel's anger at his daughter's disobedience

Angry

Feeling or showing anger; incensed or enraged
Angry at my boss.
Angry with her.

Anger

Fill (someone) with anger; provoke anger in
He was angered that he had not been told
She was angered by his terse answer

Angry

Indicative of or resulting from anger
An angry silence.

Anger

A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.

Angry

Having a menacing aspect; threatening
Angry clouds on the horizon.

Anger

To make angry; enrage or provoke.

Angry

Chiefly New England & Midland US Inflamed and painful
An angry sore.

Anger

To become angry
She angers too quickly.

Angry

Displaying or feeling anger.
His face became angry.
An angry mob started looting the warehouse.

Anger

A strong feeling of displeasure, hostility or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with an urge to harm, often stemming from perceived provocation, hurt, or threat.
You need to control your anger.

Angry

(said about a wound or a rash) inflamed and painful.
The broken glass left two angry cuts across my arm.

Anger

(obsolete) Pain or stinging.

Angry

Dark and stormy, menacing.
Angry clouds raced across the sky.

Anger

(transitive) To cause such a feeling of antagonism in.
He who angers you conquers you.

Angry

Troublesome; vexatious; rigorous.
God had provided a severe and angry education to chastise the forwardness of a young spirit.

Anger

(intransitive) To become angry.
You anger too easily.

Angry

Inflamed and painful, as a sore.

Anger

Trouble; vexation; also, physical pain or smart of a sore, etc.
I made the experiment, setting the moxa where . . . the greatest anger and soreness still continued.

Angry

Touched with anger; under the emotion of anger; feeling resentment; enraged; - followed generally by with before a person, and at before a thing.
Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves.
Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice?

Anger

A strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism, excited by a real or supposed injury or insult to one's self or others, or by the intent to do such injury.
Anger is likeA full hot horse, who being allowed his way,Self-mettle tires him.

Angry

Showing anger; proceeding from anger; acting as if moved by anger; wearing the marks of anger; as, angry words or tones; an angry sky; angry waves.

Anger

To make painful; to cause to smart; to inflame.
He . . . angereth malign ulcers.

Angry

Red.
Sweet rose, whose hue, angry and brave.

Anger

To excite to anger; to enrage; to provoke.
Taxes and impositions . . . which rather angered than grieved the people.

Angry

Sharp; keen; stimulated.
I never ate with angrier appetite.

Anger

A strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance

Angry

Feeling or showing anger;
Angry at the weather
Angry customers
An angry silence
Sending angry letters to the papers

Anger

The state of being angry

Angry

(of the elements) as if showing violent anger;
Angry clouds on the horizon
Furious winds
The raging sea

Anger

Make angry;
The news angered him

Angry

Severely inflamed and painful;
An angry sore

Anger

Become angry;
He angers easily

Common Curiosities

Can anger be positive?

Yes, anger can be positive if it motivates constructive action, prompts problem-solving, or leads to the expression of grievances in a healthy manner that promotes understanding and resolution.

What are healthy ways to express anger?

Healthy ways to express anger include communicating feelings assertively (not aggressively), taking time to cool down before responding, engaging in physical activity to release tension, and seeking constructive solutions to the source of anger.

How can I tell if someone is angry?

Signs of someone being angry can include changes in facial expression (such as frowning or glaring), an aggressive or raised tone of voice, body language (like clenched fists), and specific actions or words expressing frustration or displeasure.

Is anger always directed at others?

Anger can be directed at others, oneself, or situations. It is a response to perceived harm or injustice, regardless of the source.

What causes anger?

Anger can be caused by perceived injustices, threats to one's wellbeing or self-esteem, frustrations, or specific situations that are interpreted as deliberate harm or unfair treatment.

What is the difference between feeling angry and being aggressive?

Feeling angry is an emotional state, whereas being aggressive involves actions that are intended to harm or dominate others. Aggression is a possible but not inevitable expression of anger.

Are there disorders related to anger?

Yes, there are disorders where anger can be a predominant feature, such as intermittent explosive disorder, or it can be a symptom of other conditions like depression, anxiety, or personality disorders.

Is it unhealthy to feel angry?

Feeling angry is not inherently unhealthy; it is a natural and normal emotion. It becomes unhealthy when it is suppressed, denied, or expressed in harmful ways.

Can anger affect relationships?

Yes, how anger is expressed can significantly affect relationships. Unmanaged or poorly expressed anger can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and harm, while constructively managed anger can lead to improved understanding and problem-solving.

How can I manage my anger?

Managing anger can involve techniques such as deep breathing, taking a break from the situation, practicing relaxation methods, expressing feelings in a journal, and seeking constructive solutions to the underlying problem.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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