clamor
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
a loud, continuous, and usually demanding or protesting noise made by a group of people.
A strong public expression of discontent, demand, or opinion; a vociferous outcry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes collective, noisy human expression, often with a sense of urgency or demand. Can imply disorder or insistent pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the spelling is typically 'clamour'. In American English, it is 'clamor'. Both spellings are accepted in their respective regions.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary in British English; in American English, it can appear in both formal and journalistic contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in American English journalistic and political discourse. Slightly less common in contemporary British English, where 'uproar' or 'outcry' might be preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
clamor for [noun phrase]clamor to [infinitive verb phrase]clamor against [noun phrase]clamor + that-clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a clamor of voices”
- “add one's voice to the clamor”
- “clamor for attention”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts about shareholder demands or market reactions, e.g., 'the clamor from investors for higher dividends.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, and sociology to describe public protest or demand, e.g., 'the clamor for social reform.'
Everyday
Less common. Used for describing very noisy, insistent group situations, e.g., 'the clamor of children in the playground.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Protestors clamoured outside the parliament for immediate action.
- The opposition clamoured for the minister's resignation.
- Fans clamoured to get the star's autograph.
American English
- The crowd clamored for the band to play an encore.
- Critics clamored against the proposed policy changes.
- Shareholders are clamoring to see the financial report.
adverb
British English
- Rarely used. Possible poetic/literary: 'The mob shouted clamorously.'
American English
- Rarely used. Possible in formal writing: 'The delegates argued clamorously.'
adjective
British English
- The clamorous crowd made the announcement inaudible.
- He grew tired of the clamorous demands of the press.
American English
- The clamorous protesters filled the square.
- She tried to focus despite the clamorous environment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children made a clamor when the ice cream van arrived.
- There was a loud clamor from the stadium when the goal was scored.
- The public clamor for environmental reforms has grown significantly.
- Amid the clamor of the city, he found a quiet café to think.
- The senator's remarks ignited a media clamor that lasted for weeks.
- Despite the clamor from interest groups, the committee proceeded with its original plan.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLAM digging for ORE (clam-or) very noisily, causing a loud commotion.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS NOISE. (e.g., 'the clamor of the crowd', 'a deafening clamor for change').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'каламбур' (pun/play on words).
- Closer to 'шум', 'галдёж', 'требования' depending on context.
- It implies noise with purpose/demand, not just random sound.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for an individual's shout (use 'shout' or 'cry').
- Confusing with 'clamber' (to climb awkwardly).
- Using it as a verb without 'for' or 'to' when needed, e.g., 'They clamored change' (incorrect) vs. 'They clamored for change' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'clamor' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral but often carries a negative connotation of disorder, annoyance, or insistent pressure, depending on context.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to make a clamor' or 'to demand noisily,' e.g., 'They clamored for justice.'
'Clamor' specifically implies loud, confused, and often demanding noise, especially from people. 'Noise' is a more general term for any sound.
In American English, 'clamor' is the standard spelling. 'Clamour' is considered a British variant and may be marked as incorrect in strict American usage contexts.