gale
C1Formal/Informal (formal in meteorological contexts, informal in figurative use)
Definition
Meaning
A very strong wind, specifically one with a speed between 34 and 47 knots on the Beaufort scale.
1. A noisy outburst, especially of laughter or excitement. 2. A sudden burst or surge of something intangible (e.g., a gale of enthusiasm).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is meteorological and measurable. The figurative uses ('gale of laughter') are idiomatic extensions and imply a forceful, uncontrollable, and often pleasant burst.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The nautical/meteorological term is used identically. Figurative use ('gale of laughter') is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
In both, it connotes force and intensity. In British English, it may have slightly stronger historical/nautical associations.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to maritime culture and weather reporting. In US English, 'storm' or 'high winds' is often used in everyday speech where UK might use 'gale'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + gale: blow up, reach force Xgale + VERB: blow, sweep (across/through)PREP: in a gale, during the galeADJ + gale: see collocationsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gale-force (adj.)”
- “gales of laughter”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Figurative: 'The announcement was met with gales of applause from shareholders.'
Academic
In geography/meteorology: 'The coastal region is frequently subject to severe gales.'
Everyday
Weather discussions: 'They've issued a gale warning for the coast.' Figurative: 'Her joke caused gales of laughter.'
Technical
Meteorology/Marine: 'A Beaufort force 8 gale.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- It's starting to gale outside; best secure the garden furniture.
- (Archaic/poetic) The wind galed from the east all night.
American English
- (Rare as verb) It's galing pretty hard – maybe postpone the picnic?
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'gale-force' used attributively)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- Gale-force winds caused disruption to ferry services.
- We faced gale-strength headwinds on the hike.
American English
- Gale-force warnings are in effect until 6 PM.
- The storm produced gale-intensity gusts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The wind is very strong today. It is like a gale.
- We could not walk outside in the gale.
- The weather forecast warned of gales along the coast tomorrow.
- Her funny story provoked gales of laughter from the children.
- The fishing boats remained in harbour due to the severe gale warning.
- A sudden gale swept across the moor, tearing the leaves from the trees.
- Meteorologists upgraded the warning to a force nine gale, anticipating significant structural damage.
- The comedian's satirical routine was met with gales of appreciative laughter from the sophisticated audience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SAIL in a GALE – both words rhyme and are connected by wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION/NOISE IS WIND (e.g., gales of laughter, gusts of anger).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'буря' (storm) – 'gale' это именно очень сильный ветер, а не комплексное явление с дождём/грозой. Ближе к 'штормовой ветер'.
- Figurative 'gale of laughter' переводится как 'взрыв смеха', а не дословно.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'gale' for a light breeze.
- Confusing 'gale' (wind) with 'hail' (ice).
- Incorrect preposition: 'under a gale' вместо 'in a gale'.
Practice
Quiz
On the Beaufort scale, a 'gale' is formally defined by:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Meteorologically, a 'gale' refers specifically to strong winds (34-47 knots). A 'storm' (48+ knots) is stronger and often implies a more complex weather system with precipitation. In everyday use, 'storm' is broader.
It is very rare and considered archaic or poetic (e.g., 'the wind galed'). The adjective 'gale-force' and noun uses are standard.
The core meaning is neutral/negative (destructive force). The figurative meaning ('gale of laughter') is strongly positive, implying hearty, uncontrollable amusement.
Using it for any wind. A gale is a specific, powerful wind. Also, confusing it with 'hail' (frozen rain) due to similar sound.
Collections
Part of a collection
Weather
A2 · 45 words · Describing the weather, climate and seasons.