“Actions Speak Louder than Words” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Actions speak louder than words” is an idiom that you will hear a lot of. It is one of the more popular figures of speech with a more serious connotation. If you want to know more about this phrase, read on. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and discover where it came from.

You will also see some example sentences and conversations to help you learn how to use the phrase properly yourself. Lastly, you will see some suggestions that can be used in place of saying “actions speak louder than words” that will convey the same meaning.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Actions speak louder than words” means that a person’s actions are more significant and revealing than their words or promises. It emphasizes that true intentions and character are demonstrated through behavior rather than just spoken claims.
Actions Speak Louder than Words Meaning
Actions Speak Louder than Words Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Actions Speak Louder Than Words Meaning

The phrase “actions speak louder than words” means that what people do is more significant and revealing than what they say. It emphasizes the idea that intentions and beliefs are better demonstrated through actions rather than spoken promises or claims. In essence, it suggests that true character and commitment are shown through behavior rather than mere words.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase “actions speak louder than words” is said to have originated in the year 1628. However, it was not used in its exact form until 1856 when it was used by Abraham Lincoln. Before that time, variations of the phrase have been used including the 1692 ” Actions are more significant than words” and in 1736 “Actions speak louder than words, and are more regarded.”

Usage of “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”

Here are some examples of how this phrase can be used in various contexts:

  1. In personal relationships:
    • “He always says he cares about me, but he never makes time for our dates. Actions speak louder than words.”
  2. In a workplace setting:
    • “The manager often talks about valuing teamwork, but her lack of support shows that actions speak louder than words.”
  3. In social activism:
    • “Many politicians promise change during campaigns, but until they take concrete steps, actions speak louder than words.”
  4. In parenting:
    • “Teaching kids about kindness is important, but showing them through our own behavior—actions speak louder than words.”
  5. In sports:
    • “The team talked about their goals, but it was their performance on the field that proved that actions speak louder than words.”

Related Terms to “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”

  • Talk is cheap – Suggests that it is easy to say something, but actions are what really matter.
  • Put your money where your mouth is – A challenge to back up one’s words with action.
  • Walk the talk – To act according to one’s stated beliefs or commitments.
  • Deeds not words – A phrase emphasizing that actions are more meaningful than verbal statements.
  • Prove it – A straightforward way of demanding evidence of someone’s claims through action.
  • Show, don’t tell – Encourages demonstrating rather than just talking about something.
  • Actions are the true measure – Suggests that real intentions are revealed through behavior rather than statements.
  • Words are wind – A phrase that suggests spoken promises are often insubstantial and unreliable.
  • A picture is worth a thousand words – Indicates that visual evidence can convey meaning more powerfully than words.
  • Intentions matter – While actions are emphasized, this phrase acknowledges that good intentions should be reflected in actions.

Alternatives to “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”

There are several alternative words or phrases that you can use in place of “actions speak louder than words” to convey the same meaning. Some of these alternatives include:

  • Doing is better than saying
  • Deeds, not words
  • Actions are more significant than words
  • Doing is better than just speaking

“Actions Speak Louder Than Words” Examples

Example Sentences

  • She promised us one thing, but then did something entirely different; actions speak louder than words.
  • Susan always talked about how important of an issue global warming is, but then doesn’t do so much as recycle to help the environment. Actions speak louder than words!

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I can’t have wait to have children!
  • Friend 2: Is John read for that responsibility?
  • Friend 1: He says he is, but I don’t know. He still goes out with his friends after work and likes to go golfing every weekend.
  • Friend 2: Well, just remember that actions speak louder than words. I think if he was ready he would be showing you signs that he is ready to stay home more and help you out.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I can’t believe the manager told us not do that anymore.
  • Co-worker 2: I know! He does the same thing every day!
  • Co-worker 1: Since the meeting last week, he has still been doing it every day!
  • Co-worker 2: Well, I would assume that we can still do it then despite the new rule. Actions speak louder than words!
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