Definitions
- Describing a person or group that lacks the means to protect themselves from harm. - Referring to a situation where there is no protection or defense available. - Talking about a state of being helpless or powerless in the face of danger or attack.
- Describing a person or group that is susceptible to harm or attack. - Referring to a situation where there is a risk of being harmed or attacked. - Talking about a state of being exposed or open to danger or harm.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a state of being at risk.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people or situations.
- 3Both words suggest a lack of protection or defense.
- 4Both words imply a need for caution or care.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Defenceless refers to a complete lack of protection or defense, while vulnerable suggests a degree of susceptibility or exposure.
- 2Cause: Defenceless implies a lack of means to defend oneself, while vulnerable suggests a weakness or flaw that makes one susceptible to harm.
- 3Intensity: Defenceless suggests a high degree of risk or danger, while vulnerable can describe a range of risks from mild to severe.
- 4Usage: Defenceless is less commonly used than vulnerable in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Defenceless has a more negative connotation, suggesting helplessness or powerlessness, while vulnerable can have a more neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting openness or honesty.
Remember this!
Defenceless and vulnerable are synonyms that describe a state of being at risk. However, defenceless suggests a complete lack of protection or defense, while vulnerable suggests a degree of susceptibility or exposure. Defenceless implies a high degree of risk or danger, while vulnerable can describe a range of risks from mild to severe. While both words suggest a need for caution or care, defenceless has a more negative connotation, suggesting helplessness or powerlessness, while vulnerable can have a more neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting openness or honesty.
