shout
B1Informal to neutral; the verb is very common; the noun 'a shout' is less frequent.
Definition
Meaning
To utter a loud cry or speak very loudly, typically to express strong emotion, to get attention, or to be heard over distance or noise.
It can also mean to express a strong opinion publicly or forcefully; in informal British contexts, it can mean 'to buy a round of drinks for others'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies high volume and often, but not necessarily, strong emotion (anger, joy, alarm). It can be transitive ('shout an answer') or intransitive ('don't shout').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase 'shout someone a drink' or 'it's my shout' (meaning it's my turn to buy drinks) is common in UK and Australian informal English but rare in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'shouting' can connote aggression or lack of control in a conversation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects for the core meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive): He shouted.[V that]: She shouted that she was leaving.[V at N]: Don't shout at me![V for N]: They shouted for help.[V N] (transitive): He shouted an obscenity.[V to N to-INF]: I shouted to him to stop.[V with N]: She shouted with excitement.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shout something from the rooftops”
- “be in with a shout (BrE, informal: have a chance)”
- “shout yourself hoarse”
- “all over bar the shouting (BrE: practically finished)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Generally avoided as unprofessional; 'raise one's voice' or 'speak forcefully' are preferred. 'Give me a shout' is informal BrE for 'contact me'.
Academic
Rare, except in reported speech or describing historical events. More formal terms like 'proclaim' or 'declaim' are used for rhetorical acts.
Everyday
Very common for describing calling someone, arguments, children playing, or expressing excitement at events.
Technical
Used in sound engineering (e.g., 'shout to be heard above the mix') or psychology (e.g., 'shout therapy').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll shout you a pint if you help me move this sofa.
- You don't need to shout; I'm right here.
American English
- He shouted to his friend across the crowded street.
- The coach shouted instructions from the sidelines.
adverb
British English
- He cried out shoutily as he stumbled. (rare, non-standard)
- The instructions were given shoutily over the engine noise.
American English
- The fans cheered shoutily for the winning touchdown. (rare, non-standard)
- He complained shoutily about the service.
adjective
British English
- He had a shouty argument with his neighbour. (informal)
- The game ended in a shouty mess.
American English
- It was a very shouty protest outside the courthouse.
- The talk show descended into a shouty debate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please don't shout!
- The children shouted with happiness.
- I heard someone shout my name.
- He shouted angrily at the driver who cut him off.
- She had to shout to be heard over the music.
- They shouted for help when they got lost.
- The activist shouted her message from the steps of the town hall.
- He shouted himself hoarse at the football match.
- 'Get down!' he shouted, pulling her to the ground.
- The senator was shouted down by protesters during his speech.
- Her latest novel is a passionate shout for social justice.
- He shouted a stream of invective that shocked everyone present.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHOUT sounds like 'out' – you project your voice OUTwards loudly.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., 'They were shouting at each other'). COMMUNICATION IS PROJECTILE MOTION (e.g., 'He shouted the answer across the room').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'shout at' (кричать НА кого-то, aggressive) and 'shout to' (кричать кому-то, to communicate over distance).
- Russian 'кричать' often covers both 'shout' and 'scream' – 'scream' implies higher pitch/fear/pain.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'She shouted me.' Correct: 'She shouted at me.' or 'She shouted to me.'
- Incorrect: *'He shouted her name on her.' Correct: 'He shouted her name at her.'
Practice
Quiz
In informal British English, what does 'It's my shout' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Shout' is general purpose, often for communication over distance. 'Yell' is very similar but can imply more anger or urgency. 'Scream' implies a higher pitch, often due to fear, pain, or extreme excitement.
Mostly yes. 'Shout at' someone typically implies anger, reprimand, or aggression. 'Shout to' someone is neutral, simply meaning to communicate loudly to reach them.
Yes. Phrases like 'shout for joy' or 'the design shouts luxury' use the word figuratively to mean 'express powerfully' or 'clearly indicate'.
As a noun, it means the act or sound of shouting: 'He gave a sudden shout.' In BrE slang: 'Give me a shout when you're free' (call/contact me), and 'It's my shout' (my turn to buy drinks).