What Does “Actions Are Louder than Words” Mean?

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The definition, uses, and history of this fascinating English idiom
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The English language is full of idioms (sayings that have a figurative meaning), and “actions are louder than words” is one of the most common and recognizable. But what exactly does it mean, and where did it come from? In this article, we’ll review what people really mean when they say “actions are louder than words” and show you how to use it. Plus, we’ll dive into the history of the phrase and highlight some quotes from famous figures throughout history that believed actions truly speak louder than words.

Things You Should Know

  • “Actions are louder than words” means that what a person does is more important and meaningful than what they say.
  • Say “actions are louder than words” to encourage someone to keep their promises or to show you’re skeptical of the intentions behind someone’s words.
  • The earliest recorded phrase similar to “actions are louder than words” in English comes from UK Parliamentary records from 1628.
Section 1 of 4:

“Actions Are Louder than Words” Meaning

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  1. In this case, the actions aren’t literally “louder” than someone’s words. They just carry more weight and meaning (it’s another way to say “talk is cheap”). For example, a person’s spouse might say “I love you” every day, but if they never do anything to show their love, then their words seem empty or less meaningful. [1]
    • On the flip side, if the spouse offers to clean the house, does favors for their partner, and shows other signs of appreciation, then they’re demonstrating that they meant it when they said “I love you.”
    • “Actions speak louder than words” is another common way to express this idiom.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “Actions Are Louder than Words”

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  1. Use this phrase to remind someone to be intentional with their actions and follow through on their promises . When they hear it, they’ll know you expect them to do what they’ve said they’d do. This idiom comes up a lot in parenting, friendships, education, business, and leadership situations. [2] For example:
    • “You promised you’d have that report turned in by Tuesday morning, but now it’s Friday and it’s still not here. Actions are louder than words, and I hope you still plan to get it done soon.”
    • Son: “I promise I’ll clean my room today.”
      Father: “I hope you do! Remember, actions are louder than words.”
  2. Use “actions are louder than words” to show skepticism about a promise. If someone keeps saying they’ll do something or that they feel a certain way but their behavior and demeanor don’t match their words, use this phrase to let them know you suspect they’re not being 100% honest. Anyone can use words to make you think they’re making progress or experiencing certain emotions, but you can’t know for sure until they act upon those words.
    • Girlfriend: “I said I love you! Don’t you believe me?”
      Boyfriend: “You’re never on time for our dates and I’ve seen you flirting with other guys. Actions speak louder than words, you know!”
    • Student: “I promise I’ll turn in my midterm paper on time, this class is really important to me.”
      Professor: “Well, most of your other assignments have been late and you were on your phone during the entire lecture today. Actions speak louder than words, remember that.”
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Section 3 of 4:

Origins of “Actions Are Louder than Words”

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  1. One of the earliest recorded uses comes from the Hansard (records of Parliamentary debates in the UK) in 1628. John Pym, a member of Parliament, is quoted as saying, “A word spoken in season is like an Apple of Gold set in Pictures of Silver, and actions are more precious than words.” [3]
    • The “louder” part of the phrase seems to come from English clergyman Thomas Manton’s Book of Sermons , published in 1693: “So they would give him Glory, praise him with their Lips, and honour him with their Lives. They would make that their Work and Scope, that this may be the real Language of their Hearts and Actions, which speak much louder than Words.”
  2. In an anonymous collection of letters called The Melancholy State of Province , a writer from Boston, Massachusetts wrote, “Actions speak louder than Words, and are more to be regarded.” [4] More than a century later, the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, used the expression in his 1860 Cooper Union Address, saying “‘Actions speak louder than words’ is the maxim; and, if true, the South now distinctly says to the North, ‘Give us the measures, you take the men.”
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Section 4 of 4:

Famous “Actions Are Louder than Words” Quotes

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  1. The meaning behind “actions are louder than words” predates the first written records of the phrase and can be found in quotes from many cultures and languages (not just English) throughout history. Some quotes from well-known historical figures include:
    • “Don’t tell me what you value, show me your budget.”
      • —Joe Biden (b. 1942), 46th President of the United States [5]
    • “Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often.”
      • —Mark Twain (1835–1910), American writer and entrepreneur
    • “Well done is better than well said.”
      • — Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), American scientist and politician [6]
    • “Saying is one thing, and doing is another.”
      • —Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592), French philosopher [7]
    • “Words are from the lips, actions are from the heart.”
      • —Rashida Costa, Jamaican-American author and actress
    • “The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.”
      • — Confucius (551–479 BCE), Chinese philosopher
    • “A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.”
      • —Arabian proverb [8]
    • “Do not be wise in words. Be wise in deeds.”
      • —Jewish proverb

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      References

      1. ↑ https://blogs.missouristate.edu/international/2018/12/01/learn-english-idioms-actions-speak-louder-than-words/
      2. ↑ https://blogs.missouristate.edu/international/2018/12/01/learn-english-idioms-actions-speak-louder-than-words/
      3. ↑ https://www.grammar-monster.com/sayings_proverbs/actions_speak_louder_than_words.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.grammar-monster.com/sayings_proverbs/actions_speak_louder_than_words.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201912/follow-the-action-behavior-speaks-more-truth-words
      6. ↑ https://everydaypower.com/actions-speak-louder-than-words-quotes/
      7. ↑ https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/151/actions-speak-louder-than-words
      8. ↑ https://www.positivityblog.com/actions-speak-louder-than-words-quotes/

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