Definitions
- Referring to a significant reduction in numbers or quantity, often used in the context of warfare or disease. - Describing a situation where a large portion of a population or group has been killed or destroyed. - Talking about a severe impact on something that results in a drastic reduction or weakening.
- Describing a situation where something has been completely destroyed or ruined. - Referring to a state of extreme shock or emotional distress caused by a traumatic event. - Talking about a severe impact on something that results in a profound and lasting effect.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a severe impact on something.
- 2Both words suggest a significant reduction or weakening of something.
- 3Both words can be used to describe the aftermath of a disaster or traumatic event.
What is the difference?
- 1Extent: Devastate suggests a more complete destruction or ruin than decimate.
- 2Emotion: Devastate implies a strong emotional response, while decimate does not necessarily involve an emotional component.
- 3Usage: Decimate is often used in the context of warfare or disease, while devastate can be used in a wider range of contexts.
- 4Severity: Devastate implies a more severe impact than decimate.
Remember this!
Decimate and devastate are both verbs that describe a severe impact on something. However, decimate suggests a significant reduction or weakening of something, often in the context of warfare or disease, while devastate implies a more complete destruction or ruin, often with a strong emotional component. Devastate is also more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts than decimate.
