While the words "sound" and "noise" are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle but important distinction between them. Generally, "sound" refers to any audible vibration, whether pleasant or unpleasant. "Noise," on the other hand, typically refers to unwanted or unpleasant sound. Think of it this way: all noise is sound, but not all sound is noise.

Let's look at some examples to clarify. The gentle melody of a violin is a sound – it's an audible vibration that is usually considered pleasant. However, if that same violin is played loudly and badly in the middle of the night, it becomes noise – an unwanted and unpleasant sound.

Here are some example sentences:

• "I love the sound of the waves crashing on the shore." (Meaning: I enjoy the pleasant audible vibrations.)
• "The construction workers made so much noise that I couldn't concentrate." (Meaning: The sounds of construction were unwanted and unpleasant.)

Another key difference lies in the intention. Sounds can be intentionally created, like a musical performance. Noise is often unintentional, like the screeching of brakes. However, this is not always the case. A loud rock concert might be considered noise by someone trying to sleep, even though it was intentionally produced.

Let's look at some more example sentences to understand the different connotations:

• "The birds created a beautiful sound in the early morning" (Meaning: The birdsong was pleasant and intended).
• "The loud music was a terrible noise that kept us awake" (Meaning: The music was unwanted and unpleasant)

Ultimately, whether a sound is classified as noise depends on the listener's perception and context. What one person finds pleasant, another might find annoying. This subjectivity is an important thing to remember when using these words.

Happy learning!