Rebel vs. Revel — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 20, 2024
Rebel involves resisting authority or tradition, typically through action or protest, while revel means to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, often at a party or celebration.
Difference Between Rebel and Revel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A rebel is someone who opposes or fights against authority or societal norms, often advocating for radical change. On the other hand, to revel is to take great pleasure or delight, usually in a festive or celebratory activity.
Rebellion is associated with dissent and often involves challenging the status quo or engaging in protest. In contrast, reveling is about indulgence in joyous festivities, where the atmosphere is usually carefree and exuberant.
Rebels are often seen in political, social, or cultural movements, aiming to overthrow or disrupt established systems. Whereas, revelers are typically participants in events like parties, festivals, or other gatherings focused on enjoyment.
The act of rebelling can be a serious and enduring commitment, sometimes involving personal risk or sacrifice. Conversely, reveling is temporary, focusing on immediate gratification and pleasure without long-term consequences.
While rebels might inspire or lead a movement against oppression or injustice, revelers are generally engaging in activities that celebrate life and its moments without any political or social agenda.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To resist or defy authority or conventional norms
To enjoy oneself in a noisy, lively way
Context
Political, social, cultural
Social, festive
Connotation
Serious, challenging
Joyful, carefree
Duration
Long-term, ongoing
Short-term, temporary
Typical Activities
Protesting, advocating
Partying, dancing, feasting
Compare with Definitions
Rebel
Someone who opposes authority.
The rebels organized a march against the new policy.
Revel
To enjoy oneself in a lively way.
They reveled all night after the ceremony.
Rebel
Associated with revolution.
The historical rebel had a significant impact on the country’s development.
Revel
To take great delight.
She reveled in the freedom of her new lifestyle.
Rebel
To resist or defy norms.
She rebelled against the traditional career paths endorsed by her family.
Revel
Engaging in raucous celebrations.
He chose to revel in the success of his latest project.
Rebel
An act of rebellion.
His decision to drop out and travel the world was seen as a rebel move.
Revel
Partaking in joyous festivities.
Revelers at the festival enjoyed the live music and food.
Rebel
To stand firm against.
They rebelled against the unjust law that was proposed.
Revel
Associated with partying.
The city streets were filled with people reveling during the annual parade.
Rebel
A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or leader
Tory rebels
Rebel forces
Revel
To take great pleasure or delight
She reveled in her unaccustomed leisure.
Rebel
Rise in opposition or armed resistance to an established government or leader
The Earl of Pembroke subsequently rebelled against Henry III
Revel
To engage in uproarious festivities; make merry.
Rebel
To refuse allegiance to and oppose by force an established government or ruling authority.
Revel
A boisterous festivity or celebration; merrymaking.
Rebel
To resist or defy an authority or a generally accepted convention.
Revel
An instance of merrymaking; a celebration.
Rebel
To feel or express strong unwillingness or repugnance
She rebelled at the unwelcome suggestion.
Revel
A kind of dance.
Rebel
One who rebels or is in rebellion.
Revel
A wake for the dead.
Rebel
Rebel A Confederate soldier.
Revel
(architecture) reveal
Rebel
A person who resists or defies authority or convention
"In her own mind, Jan is ... a rebel, an iconoclast, a strange and estranged and angry freedom fighter" (Perri Klass).
Revel
To make merry; to have a happy, lively time.
Rebel
A person who resists an established authority, often violently.
A group of rebels defied the general's orders and split off from the main army.
My little sister is such a rebel - coming home late, piercing her ears, and refusing to do any of her chores.
Revel
To take delight (in something).
Rebel
Synonym of Confederate: a citizen of the Confederate States of America, especially a Confederate soldier.
Revel
(obsolete) To draw back; to retract.
Rebel
(intransitive) To resist or become defiant toward an authority.
To rebel against the system
Revel
See Reveal.
Rebel
Pertaining to rebels or rebellion; acting in revolt; rebellious; as, rebel troops.
Whoso be rebel to my judgment.
Convict by flight, and rebel to all law.
Revel
A feast with loose and noisy jollity; riotous festivity or merrymaking; a carousal.
This day in mirth and revel to dispend.
Some men ruin . . . their bodies by incessant revels.
Rebel
One who rebels.
Revel
To feast in a riotous manner; to carouse; to act the bacchanalian; to make merry.
Rebel
To renounce, and resist by force, the authority of the ruler or government to which one owes obedience. See Rebellion.
The murmur and the churls' rebelling.
Ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the Lord.
Revel
To move playfully; to indulge without restraint.
Rebel
To be disobedient to authority; to assume a hostile or insubordinate attitude; to revolt.
How could my hand rebel against my heart?How could your heart rebel against your reason?
Revel
To draw back; to retract.
Rebel
`johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; `grayback' derived from their gray Confederate uniforms
Revel
Unrestrained merrymaking
Rebel
A person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions)
Revel
Take delight in;
He delights in his granddaughter
Rebel
Someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
Revel
Celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities;
The members of the wedding party made merry all night
Let's whoop it up--the boss is gone!
Rebel
Take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
Rebel
Break with established customs
Rebel
Used by northerners of Confederate soldiers;
The rebel yell
Rebel
Participating in organized resistance to a constituted government;
The rebelling confederacy
Common Curiosities
Do rebels always act alone?
Rebels can act alone as individuals, but they often form or join groups and movements to amplify their impact against a common cause.
What are some common settings for revelry?
Common settings for revelry include parties, clubs, festivals, and other gatherings designed for entertainment and enjoyment.
How does society typically view revelers?
Society often views revelers in a positive light when their activities align with social norms for celebrations, though excessive revelry can sometimes attract criticism.
What motivates someone to become a rebel?
Individuals often become rebels due to a deep dissatisfaction with existing conditions or systems, seeking significant changes or reforms.
Can reveling have a cultural significance?
Yes, many cultures have traditional revelries that are significant parts of their heritage and celebrations, like carnivals or national festivals.
Is reveling always associated with loud and noisy activities?
While reveling is often loud and festive, one can also revel in quieter, personal joys, such as reading a favorite book or enjoying a peaceful nature walk.
What are the risks of being a rebel?
Rebels may face social ostracism, legal consequences, or even personal danger depending on the nature and context of their rebellion.
Are there any famous literary rebels?
Literature features many famous rebels, like Winston Smith from George Orwell’s "1984" or Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games," who challenge oppressive regimes.
Can someone be both a rebel and a reveler?
Yes, it's possible for someone to embody both qualities, rebelling against societal norms while also enjoying life’s pleasures to the fullest.
What historical examples illustrate the impact of rebels?
Historical examples include figures like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr., who led significant social changes through non-violent rebellion.
How do rebels influence politics?
Rebels can influence politics by challenging existing laws and policies, promoting reform, or even overthrowing political systems.
What role does music play in revelries?
Music is a central element in many revelries, setting the mood and enhancing the festive atmosphere of the celebrations.
What are the psychological effects of being a rebel?
The psychological effects can vary widely, from feeling empowered and purposeful to experiencing isolation or stress due to opposition.
Is it possible to revel in one’s success quietly?
Yes, individuals can revel in their success quietly by savoring the moment privately or sharing it with close friends and family without a public display.
How do different cultures perceive revelry?
Perceptions of revelry vary by culture, with some valuing reserved and formal celebrations, while others embrace loud, exuberant expressions of joy.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
