“Hurray” is one of the words people alter when expressing joy, applause, or encouragement, but at such times, do they “cheer” or “chear?” Many people confuse these words because their pronunciation is quite similar, but the spelling varies. Below is a summary of cheer vs chear to help you use the right word.
Cheer is a verb. It means to shout for joy and encouragement or to comfort and support someone or something. On the other hand, chear is an obsolete form of cheer. English is always evolving; words like “chear” are lost or changed over time.
When you talk, it will not matter if you use the words cheer or chear since they have the same pronunciation. However, when writing, you need to use proper spelling so that everyone who reads what you have written will clearly understand you. This post will discuss cheer and chear to help you understand their definitions and when to use each word.
Definitions Of Cheer And Chear
Before learning when you use the words cheer and chear, it is essential to understand the definitions of these words. A common mistake people make when caught between two spellings is to find the right one in the dictionary, online, or ask someone.
But doing this might lead to you having the same dilemma the next time you write. The best solution is to understand the words by learning their various definitions. Keenly note the sections below.
What Is The Definition Of Cheer?
Cheer (verb) means to give a loud shout of approval or encouragement to motivate or praise vocally. Some synonyms of cheer are; applaud, salute or praise. An example sentence is, “What is making those people cheer.”
Cheer (verb) also means to give comfort or support to someone, to make them happy, or cause immense joy. This is when someone going through a tough time or struggles gets encouraged. An example sentence is, “Cheer up, Tabitha; things could be worse.”
Another definition of cheer (verb) is to make something look brighter by adding colorful things. You can use this word when describing a transformation made to an outfit, a room, a space, or a document. Here is an example, “Since my aunty will be spending the night in my house, I will cheer up the guest room with some flowers.
Cheer, as a noun, refers to a shout of praise, joy, or encouragement. It can be by clapping, roaring, or acclaiming. An example sentence is, “The crowd let out a loud cheer.”
Cheer (noun) is also a condition or state of cheerfulness, optimism, or happiness. Synonyms are; happiness, joy, pleasure, jubilation, and gleefulness. Here is a sentence example, “The management urged the staff to spread little holiday cheer to the clients.”
Another meaning as a noun is comfort given or received by a person, especially after a loss or disappointment. It could be to console, encourage, aid, or reassure. Here is a sentence to explain this, “After Tom’s injury, his classmates would visit him in the house each day to give him some cheer.”
More Meanings Of Cheer
Cheer (noun): Food and drinks offered for a festive occasion. Synonyms are foodstuffs, beverages, nobles, provisions, or cuisines. An example sentence is, “If you partake too much of the birthday cheer, you might not make it to the office tomorrow.”
Cheer (noun) is having positive beliefs and happy thoughts. Synonyms of the word happiness, enthusiasm, costiveness, and gladness. For instance, “You can count on Mary, the receptionist, to have good cheers no matter what is happening in the office.”
What Is The Definition Of Chear?
The definition of chear, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, is “architect variant of cheer.” This is an old-fashioned or old way of writing the word cheer. However, it is now obsolete and no longer embraced as an English word.
Those who use the word “chear,” use it as a mispronunciation of “cheer.” When it comes to spelling, especially when dealing with official matters, you must be careful about how you write your words. You might assume there is no big deal in writing “chear” instead of “cheer,” but those reading your work will take it as carelessness and assume you are not keen on how you do things.
How To Properly Use Cheer And Chear In A Sentence
Before using these words, it helps to know that “cheer” is both a verb and a noun. So, you need to understand how to use the word best and how to apply it in your sentences.
Verbs are action words and describe the state of being, so the verb “cheer” expresses people shouting in support of something or someone.
Nouns are action words; as a noun, use the word cheer when referring to a pleasing attitude, people crying for a job or approval, and an action made in support of a certain team.
Use the word cheer when referring to the following:
- Someone or something that gives comfort or support.
- People who encourage and praise vocally
- People giving loud shout, cry or call
- People or things who calm or bring peace
- The action of giving someone support or confidence
- To the action of a loud cry
Note that chear is no longer an acceptable English word, so we don’t have to explain how to use chear in sentences. It would help if you avoided it in your writing.
Cheer Vs Chear: Fun Facts About These Words
First, don’t use cheer as an expression without adding a phrase (cheer them up) or as the appropriate word form (cheers).
For instance, you will often read the word cheer in messages and emails when someone signs off their message. The word “cheer” used as “cheers” is an upbeat, simple, and suitable way to end emails or messages. You can use the word in formal and informal settings.
Another time you are likely to come across the word “cheers” is at parties. It is common when people give a toast; people chant the word cheers when clinking their glasses. This word is a symbol of proclaiming good things or moments.
Did you know that in the past, the word “cheer” was something seen and not heard? In medieval writing, the word cheer refers to someone’s facial expression, state of mind, heart, and spirit. It was not until the 1300s that people started associating the word with a state of happiness.
List Of Examples Of Cheer And Chear In Your Sentences
The words cheer and chear have the same sound, thus confusing. However, you should note that the word “chear” is no longer an acceptable English word. So, avoid the word chear in your sentences. Let’s focus on the word cheer.
Example sentences with the word cheer
- There was a loud cheer when the musician arrived on the stage.
- The winning team made a defining cheer.
- After the show, the crowd gave a spontaneous cheer.
- Cheer up, Esther; it is not all bad.
- Many supporters came out to cheer the runners.
- Here is a morning message to cheer you up.
- Loise has not taken the news of her husband well; nothing seems to cheer her up.
- The boss looks gloomy; let’s cheer him up.
- What do you mean? Christmas should be a time of cheer.
- Jane was unwell, so I sent her flowers to cheer her up.
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Conclusion
The connection between the words cheer and chear is in pronunciation, not spelling. That explains why chear is not a correct English word, yet most people often use it. Now that you know the difference between these two words and the right one to use, you can confidently use them in your writing without worrying about spelling mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.