Clamour
/ˈklæmər/
nounverbB2
Definition
Clamour is a strong, loud noise made by many people, often because they want attention or want something to happen. It can be the sound of people shouting together or a strong public demand for change or action. When used as a verb, it means to make a loud noise or to ask for something loudly and strongly.
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See It in Action
A loud noise made by many people or things
- •The clamour of the crowd filled the stadium after the winning goal.
- •There was a clamour of voices outside the window during the festival.
- •The clamour from the busy market made it hard to hear the phone.
A strong public demand or protest
- •The clamour for justice grew louder after the news spread.
- •Citizens clamoured for better healthcare and education.
- •There was a clamour among workers for higher wages.
(verb) To shout loudly or demand something strongly
- •Protesters clamoured for change in the government policies.
- •Fans clamoured to get autographs from the famous singer.
- •The children clamoured for attention during the school play.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "clamour" like "noise" (A1 word), but it is a loud, busy, and often angry or excited noise made by many people at once
- ✓Picture a crowd of people all shouting at the same time, their voices mixing into one big loud sound
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear many people shouting for help or asking for something important together
- ✓Sounds like "CLAM-mur" → imagine a clam (sea animal) opening its shell loudly, making a big noise in the water
- ✓Think of scenes in movies where people shout loudly to get attention or protest, like a crowd at a sports game or a protest march
- ✓NOT like "whisper" (quiet voice), clamour is loud and strong
- ✓NOT like "talk" (normal speaking), clamour is noisy and often urgent or angry
- ✓NOT like "silence" (no sound), clamour is the opposite, full of noise and shouting
Try Other Words
- •Uproar: loud noise and confusion (Use when the noise is wild and chaotic)
- •Outcry: strong public protest or demand (Use when people strongly complain or demand something)
- •Shout: loud call or cry (Use when one or a few people raise their voice)
- •Racket: loud, unpleasant noise (Use when the noise is disturbing but not necessarily from people)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear parts; whole word is a noun and verb)
- •Etymology: From Latin "clamor," meaning "a loud shout or cry"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean loud noise or shouting by many people
- •Modern usage: Used to describe loud public noise, protests, or strong demands, both as noun and verb
- •Key insight: Always involves many voices or sounds combined into a loud, often urgent noise
Reflect & Connect
•When have you experienced a clamour in real life, and how did it make you feel?
•Can clamour be positive, or is it always negative? In what situations might clamour be helpful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The clamour of the crowd grew ___ as the team scored a goal during the match.
2.People clamoured ___ better public services after the new law was announced.
3.Unlike a quiet conversation, a clamour usually happens when many people ___ loudly at the same time.
4.The protesters clamoured ___ their rights until the government listened to them.
5.A sudden clamour ___ outside the window made it hard to concentrate.
6.When fans clamour for autographs, they often ___ around the celebrity quickly.
7.The clamour was so loud that it covered up the ___ of the speaker’s voice.