“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
Actions Speak Louder Than Words Meaning
The idiomatic phrase “actions speak louder than words” means that you can tell more about the kind of person someone is and what their intentions are by what they do, not by what they say.
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.”
“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!
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 | Picture
Last Updated on June 17, 2021
It is an idiomatic expression.