Soar vs. Roar — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Soar refers to flying or rising high in the air, often gracefully or effortlessly; roar denotes a loud, deep sound emitted by animals or things, typically conveying power or emotion.
Difference Between Soar and Roar
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Key Differences
Soar is primarily associated with flight, particularly at high altitudes and often with minimal effort, symbolizing freedom and elevation. Whereas roar is connected to sound, characterized by its depth and volume, often used to express aggression or announce presence.
Soar is often used metaphorically to describe rapid upward movement in contexts like prices, emotions, or careers, suggesting a swift and significant rise. On the other hand, roar can also be metaphorical, representing a powerful outburst or reaction in various situations, such as a crowd's response or a natural phenomenon like a storm.
In the natural world, soar describes the action of birds, especially raptors, utilizing thermals to glide without flapping wings, highlighting efficiency and grace. Whereas roar is typical of certain large mammals like lions or tigers, and also elements like the ocean or wind, emphasizing strength and intensity.
Technologically, soar can refer to advancements or achievements that propel entities to new heights, such as a company's stock or technological innovation. Roar, in contrast, might be used to describe the overwhelming sound of engines, machines, or crowds, indicating raw power and sometimes overwhelming force.
In literature and art, soar is often used to evoke a sense of aspiration, dreams, or spiritual ascension, providing a lighter, uplifting imagery. Roar, on the other hand, is employed to convey dramatic, forceful, or primal themes, often to intensify the narrative or emotional impact.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Context
Flight, elevation
Sound, intensity
Metaphorical Use
Rising swiftly in status or emotion
Powerful outburst or presence
Natural Example
Birds gliding
Lions or environmental noises
Technological Use
Represents advancements or achievements
Overwhelming sound of engines or machinery
Literary Use
Symbolizes aspirations and dreams
Used to intensify narrative or emotion
Compare with Definitions
Soar
To aspire to a higher or more exalted level.
Her ambitions soared beyond her humble beginnings.
Roar
Make a loud, deep sound.
The lion roared in the distance.
Soar
Fly or rise high in the air.
The eagle soared above the mountains.
Roar
Express or emit a strong, loud, deep sound symbolically.
The storm roared through the city overnight.
Soar
To reach new heights of performance or success.
The athlete's performance soared during the championship.
Roar
(of a thing) Emit a loud, deep sound.
The engines roared to life.
Soar
Glide aloft with little effort or visible motion.
The glider soared effortlessly on the updrafts.
Roar
(of a person) Shout in a deep voice due to strong emotion.
The crowd roared in excitement.
Soar
Increase rapidly above the usual level.
The company's profits soared this quarter.
Roar
(of a place) Be filled with a loud, deep sound.
The stadium roared as the player scored the winning goal.
Soar
To rise or fly into the air
The startled hawk soared away.
Roar
The loud deep cry of a wild animal, especially a lion or other wild cat.
Soar
To maintain altitude without moving the wings or using an engine; glide.
Roar
A loud, deep, prolonged sound or cry, as of a person in distress or rage.
Soar
To increase or improve suddenly above the normal or usual level
Sales soared. Our spirits soared.
Roar
A loud prolonged noise, such as that produced by waves.
Soar
The act of soaring.
Roar
A loud burst of laughter.
Soar
The altitude or scope attained in soaring.
Roar
To produce or utter a roar.
Soar
(intransitive) To fly high with little effort, like a bird.
Roar
To laugh loudly or excitedly.
Soar
To mount upward on wings, or as on wings, especially by gliding while employing rising air currents.
Roar
To make or produce a loud noise or din
The engines roared.
Soar
To remain aloft by means of a glider or other unpowered aircraft.
Roar
To move while making a loud noise
The truck roared down the road.
Soar
To rise, especially rapidly or unusually high.
The pump prices soared into new heights as the strike continued.
Roar
To breathe with a rasping sound. Used of a horse.
Soar
(figuratively) To rise in thought, spirits, or imagination; to be exalted in mood.
Roar
To utter or express loudly.
Soar
The act of soaring.
Roar
To put, bring, or force into a specified state by roaring
The crowd roared itself hoarse.
Soar
An upward flight.
Roar
(intransitive) To make a loud, deep cry, especially from pain, anger, or other strong emotion.
Soar
To fly aloft, as a bird; to mount upward on wings, or as on wings.
When soars Gaul's vulture with his wings unfurled.
Roar
To laugh in a particularly loud manner.
The audience roared at his jokes.
Soar
Fig.: To rise in thought, spirits, or imagination; to be exalted in mood.
Where the deep transported mind may soar.
Valor soars aboveWhat the world calls misfortune.
Roar
Of animals (especially a lion), to make a loud deep noise.
The lioness roared to scare off the hyenas.
Soar
To fly by wind power; to glide indefinitely without loss of altitude.
Roar
Generally, of inanimate objects etc., to make a loud resounding noise.
Soar
The act of soaring; upward flight.
This apparent soar of the hooded falcon.
Roar
(figuratively) To proceed vigorously.
Soar
See 3d Sore.
Roar
(transitive) To cry aloud; to proclaim loudly.
Soar
See Sore, reddish brown.
Roar
To be boisterous; to be disorderly.
Soar
The act of rising upward into the air
Roar
To make a loud noise in breathing, as horses do when they have a certain disease.
Soar
Rise rapidly;
The dollar soared against the yes
Roar
To cry
Soar
Fly by means of a hang glider
Roar
A long, loud, deep shout, as of rage or laughter, made with the mouth wide open.
Soar
Fly upwards or high in the sky
Roar
The cry of the lion.
Soar
Go or move upward;
The stock market soared after the cease-fire was announced
Roar
The deep cry of the bull.
Soar
Fly a plane without an engine
Roar
A loud resounding noise.
The roar of a motorbike
Roar
A show of strength or character.
Roar
To cry with a full, loud, continued sound.
Roaring bulls he would him make to tame.
Roar
To cry loudly, as in pain, distress, or anger.
Sole on the barren sands, the suffering chiefRoared out for anguish, and indulged his grief.
He scorned to roar under the impressions of a finite anger.
Roar
To make a loud, confused sound, as winds, waves, passing vehicles, a crowd of persons when shouting together, or the like.
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar.
How oft I crossed where carts and coaches roar.
Roar
To be boisterous; to be disorderly.
It was a mad, roaring time, full of extravagance.
Roar
To laugh out loudly and continuously; as, the hearers roared at his jokes.
Roar
To make a loud noise in breathing, as horses having a certain disease. See Roaring, 2.
Roar
To cry aloud; to proclaim loudly.
This last action will roar thy infamy.
Roar
The sound of roaring.
Arm! arm! it is, it is the cannon's opening roar!
Roar
A boisterous outcry or shouting, as in mirth.
Pit, boxes, and galleries were in a constant roar of laughter.
Roar
A deep prolonged loud noise
Roar
A very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal);
His bellow filled the hallway
Roar
The sound made by a lion
Roar
Make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles;
The wind was howling in the trees
The water roared down the chute
Roar
Utter words loudly and forcefully;
`Get out of here,' he roared
Roar
Emit long loud cries;
Wail in self-pity
Howl with sorrow
Roar
Act or proceed in a riotous, turbulent, or disorderly way;
Desperadoes from the hills regularly roared in to take over the town
Roar
Make a loud noise, as of animal;
The bull bellowed
Roar
Laugh unrestrainedly and heartily
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to soar in a business context?
In business, to soar typically means to achieve rapid and significant growth or success.
How does soaring relate to birds specifically?
Birds, especially raptors, soar by gliding on air currents without flapping their wings.
What emotions are typically associated with roaring?
Roaring often conveys aggression, power, or celebration.
What are some common uses of roar in everyday language?
Roar is commonly used to describe loud sounds of engines, water, wind, or collective human voices.
What is a common metaphorical use of soar?
A common metaphor for soar is in describing rapidly increasing figures, like stocks or achievements.
Is soaring always physical?
No, soaring can also be metaphorical, like soaring prices, spirits, or expectations.
How does the roar of an engine impact its perception?
A roaring engine often conveys power and high performance in vehicles.
Can "roar" be used to describe non-animal sounds?
Yes, roar can describe the sound of things like engines, storms, or crowds.
Can humans physically roar?
While humans can shout loudly, the term "roar" is more figurative, describing a very loud shout.
Can technological devices soar?
Metaphorically, yes. For instance, drone technology has soared in terms of popularity and usage.
How do children typically respond to the concept of roaring?
Children often associate roaring with excitement and play, especially in games or when imitating animals.
Is roaring always loud and aggressive?
Typically, yes, roaring is associated with loudness and power, though it can be celebratory too.
How is soaring used in motivational contexts?
In motivational contexts, soaring is used to encourage reaching higher potentials or overcoming limitations.
What types of literature use soaring as a theme?
Poetry and inspirational literature frequently use soaring to symbolize freedom and ambition.
Does roaring have a positive or negative connotation?
Roaring can have both, depending on context; it can be threatening or exhilarating.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
