Definitions
- Referring to the maximum amount or volume that something can hold or contain. - Describing the ability or capability to do or achieve something. - Talking about the mental or physical ability to understand, learn, or perform a task.
- Referring to the degree or scope to which something happens or is true. - Describing the size, length, or area that something covers or occupies. - Talking about the range or magnitude of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the measure or range of something.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the size or amount of something.
- 3Both words can be used in a figurative sense to describe abilities or capabilities.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Capacity emphasizes the maximum amount or volume that something can hold or the ability to do something, while extent focuses on the degree, scope, or range of something.
- 2Usage: Capacity is more commonly used when referring to physical or mental abilities, while extent is more commonly used when describing the size, length, or range of something.
- 3Measurement: Capacity is often quantifiable and can be measured in specific units, such as liters or people, while extent is more subjective and can be described using adjectives like great, small, or limited.
- 4Context: Capacity is often used in technical or professional contexts, such as engineering or business, while extent is more versatile and can be used in various everyday situations.
- 5Connotation: Capacity can imply potential or capability, while extent can imply the degree or magnitude of something.
Remember this!
Capacity and extent are synonyms that both refer to the measure or range of something. However, they have different focuses and usage. Capacity emphasizes the maximum amount or volume that something can hold or the ability to do something, while extent focuses on the degree, scope, or range of something. Capacity is often used in technical or professional contexts, while extent is more versatile and can be used in various everyday situations.
