Noise vs. Noisy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Noise refers to unwanted or disruptive sounds, while noisy describes environments or objects that produce a lot of noise.
Difference Between Noise and Noisy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noise is a general term used to indicate any undesired sound that can interfere with communication, concentration, or rest; whereas noisy is an adjective used to describe environments, objects, or situations where there is a lot of noise.
In the context of acoustics, noise can be quantified and measured in decibels to assess its impact on hearing, while the term noisy often qualitatively describes the perception of the loudness or harshness of a sound.
Urban areas are frequently associated with noise pollution due to concentrated activities; on the other hand, a bustling city street or a busy construction site would typically be described as noisy.
Noise can be either continuous or intermittent and can vary in frequency and intensity, whereas a noisy place generally implies a consistent presence of loud sounds.
Psychological effects of noise include stress and annoyance, whereas being in a noisy environment can lead to increased stress and difficulty in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Unwanted or harmful sound.
Producing a lot of noise.
Usage
Noun
Adjective
Example of Effect
Can cause hearing loss.
Can describe a place with potential harm.
Perception
Measured objectively (decibels).
Subjective perception of sound levels.
Context
Often used in technical or scientific contexts.
Commonly used in everyday language.
Compare with Definitions
Noise
A sound, especially one that lacks harmony.
The noise coming from the kitchen made it hard to focus.
Noisy
Indicative of or associated with loud sounds.
Their noisy arrival interrupted the meeting.
Noise
Sound that is loud, unpleasant, or causes disturbance.
The noise from the construction site is unbearable.
Noisy
Full of or characterized by loud and non-harmonious sounds.
The noisy classroom distracted the students from their exam.
Noise
Irrelevant or superfluous information or activity.
It’s important to filter out the noise in data analysis.
Noisy
Producing a lot of noise.
The noisy engine of the old car was hard to ignore.
Noise
Unwanted sound, especially one that is loud.
Noise pollution is a serious issue in urban areas.
Noisy
Prone to making noise.
The children were particularly noisy today.
Noise
Technical interference in audio or visual transmissions.
The recording had a lot of background noise.
Noisy
Describing an environment where there is a lot of noise.
The restaurant is too noisy for a quiet dinner.
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound considered unpleasant, loud or disruptive to hearing. From a physics standpoint, noise is indistinguishable from desired sound, as both are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water.
Noisy
Making or given to making a lot of noise
A noisy, giggling group of children
Diesel cars can be very noisy
Noise
A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance
Making a noise like a pig
What's that rustling noise outside the door?
Noisy
Accompanied by or introducing random fluctuations that obscure the real signal or data.
Noise
Irregular fluctuations that accompany a transmitted electrical signal but are not part of it and tend to obscure it
The enhancer can improve the video signal quality, reducing noise and increasing image sharpness
Noisy
Making noise
A small, noisy dog.
Noise
Talk about or make known publicly
You've discovered something that should not be noised about
Noisy
Full of, characterized by, or accompanied by noise
A noisy cafeteria.
Noise
Make much noise
Rook, crow and jackdaw—noising loud
Noisy
Making a noise, especially a loud unpleasant sound
The noisy crowd.
Noise
Sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.
Noisy
Full of noise.
A noisy bar
Noise
Sound or a sound of any kind
The only noise was the wind in the pines.
Noisy
Unpleasant-looking and causing unwanted attention
Noisy clothes
Noise
A loud outcry or commotion
The noise of the mob.
A lot of noise over the new law.
Noisy
Making a noise, esp. a loud sound; clamorous; vociferous; turbulent; boisterous; as, the noisy crowd.
Noise
(Physics) A disturbance, especially a random and persistent disturbance, that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal.
Noisy
Full of noise.
Noise
(Computers) Irrelevant or meaningless data.
Noisy
Full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds;
A noisy cafeteria
A small noisy dog
Noise
A complaint or protest.
Noise
Rumor; talk.
Noise
Noises Remarks or actions intended to convey a specific impression or to attract attention
"The U.S. is making appropriately friendly noises to the new Socialist Government" (Flora Lewis).
Noise
To spread the rumor or report of.
Noise
(uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
He knew that it was trash day, when the garbage collectors made all the noise.
Noise
Any sound.
The sudden noise made everyone jump.
She crept up behind him not making a noise.
Noise
Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
Noise
(technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
Signal-to-noise ratio
Noise
Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
Noise
(genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
Noise
Rumour or complaint.
The problems with the new computer system are causing a lot of noise at Head Office.
Noise
(informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
Noise
(obsolete) Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
Noise
(music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
Noise
(intransitive) To make a noise; to sound.
Noise
(transitive) To spread news of; to spread as rumor or gossip.
Noise
Sound of any kind.
The heavens turn about in a most rapid motion without noiseto us perceived.
Noise
Especially, loud, confused, or senseless sound; clamor; din.
Noise
Loud or continuous talk; general talk or discussion; rumor; report.
What noise have we had about transplantation of diseases and transfusion of blood!
Socrates lived in Athens during the great plague which has made so much noise in all ages.
Noise
Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
The king has his noise of gypsies.
Noise
To sound; to make a noise.
Noise
To spread by rumor or report.
All these sayings were noised abroad.
Noise
To disturb with noise.
Noise
Sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound);
He enjoyed the street noises
They heard indistinct noises of people talking
During the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels
Noise
The auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience;
Modern music is just noise to me
Noise
Electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
Noise
A loud outcry of protest or complaint;
The announcement of the election recount caused a lot of noise
Whatever it was he didn't like it and he was going to let them know by making as loud a noise as he could
Noise
Incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks;
All the noise in his speech concealed the fact that he didn't have anything to say
Noise
The quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
Noise
Emit a noise
Common Curiosities
Can noise be both high and low frequency?
Yes, noise can include both high-frequency sounds like alarms and low-frequency rumbles like truck engines.
Can noise affect health?
Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing loss and stress-related illnesses.
What is noise?
Noise is any unwanted sound that is typically unpleasant and disruptive.
What does noisy mean?
Noisy describes places, situations, or devices that produce a lot of noise.
How do different cultures perceive noise?
Cultural perceptions of what constitutes noise can vary, influencing social norms and regulations.
How do you measure noise?
Noise is measured in decibels (dB) using sound level meters.
How do you reduce noise pollution?
Noise pollution can be reduced by using soundproofing materials and limiting exposure to loud environments.
What is considered a noise nuisance?
A noise that disrupts the normal activities of life, such as sleep or conversation, is considered a nuisance.
Is a noisy environment always loud?
Yes, a noisy environment is characterized by being loud, which may lead to disturbances or difficulty in hearing.
What are examples of noisy places?
Examples include construction sites, busy urban streets, and crowded schools.
What are common sources of noise in a home?
Common sources include household appliances, entertainment systems, and external traffic.
Why is noise control important?
Noise control is important to prevent hearing damage and reduce stress in populated areas.
Can noise be useful?
While often unwanted, noise can be used constructively in various forms of music and sound art.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza 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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
