Definitions
- Describing a strategy or action to avoid or bypass an obstacle or problem. - Referring to finding a way around rules, regulations, or restrictions. - Talking about evading or getting around something in a clever or indirect manner.
- Referring to avoiding a difficult or sensitive topic in a conversation. - Describing a maneuver to avoid a physical obstacle or danger. - Talking about evading or dodging a problem or issue.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve avoiding or bypassing something.
- 2Both can be used metaphorically to describe avoiding problems or obstacles.
- 3Both words imply finding a way around a challenge or difficulty.
What is the difference?
- 1Meaning: Circumvent specifically refers to finding a way around rules, regulations, or restrictions, while sidestep can refer to avoiding any difficult or sensitive topic.
- 2Physicality: Sidestep is often used to describe physically avoiding an obstacle or danger, while circumvent is more commonly used in abstract or metaphorical contexts.
- 3Directness: Sidestep implies a more direct and immediate avoidance, while circumvent suggests a more strategic or clever approach to bypassing something.
- 4Connotation: Circumvent can have a negative connotation of trying to cheat or deceive, while sidestep is generally neutral and can even be seen as a diplomatic way of avoiding conflict.
- 5Formality: Circumvent is more formal and often used in professional or legal contexts, while sidestep is more informal and suitable for everyday conversations.
Remember this!
Circumvent and sidestep are synonyms that both mean to avoid or bypass something. However, there are some differences in their usage. Circumvent is often used in a more formal or professional context and specifically refers to finding a way around rules or restrictions. On the other hand, sidestep is more informal and can be used to describe avoiding any difficult or sensitive topic, both in conversations and physically.
