Definitions
- Describing the act of avoiding or going around something, such as a roadblock, obstacle, or problem. - Referring to finding an alternative route or method to reach a destination or achieve a goal. - Talking about skipping or disregarding a step or process in a sequence.
- Referring to avoiding a difficult or uncomfortable situation by skillfully maneuvering around it. - Describing the act of evading or dodging a question, issue, or responsibility. - Talking about finding a clever or indirect way to address or handle a problem.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve avoiding or going around something.
- 2Both can be used metaphorically to describe avoiding or evading a situation or problem.
- 3Both imply finding an alternative or indirect approach.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Bypassing emphasizes finding an alternative route or method, while sidestep focuses on skillfully maneuvering around a difficult situation or question.
- 2Physical vs. Metaphorical: Bypassing can refer to physically going around something, like a roadblock, while sidestep is more commonly used in a metaphorical sense.
- 3Directness: Bypassing suggests a more direct approach, while sidestep implies a more indirect or clever way of handling a situation.
- 4Connotation: Bypassing can have a neutral connotation, while sidestep can sometimes imply avoiding or evading responsibility or accountability.
- 5Usage: Bypassing is more commonly used in technical or logistical contexts, while sidestep is often used in interpersonal or communication situations.
Remember this!
Bypassing and sidestep are synonyms that both involve avoiding or going around something. However, the difference lies in their focus and usage. Bypassing is more commonly used in technical or logistical contexts, emphasizing finding an alternative route or method. On the other hand, sidestep is often used in interpersonal or communication situations, focusing on skillfully maneuvering around a difficult situation or question.
