Definitions
- Describing a physical condition where a body part is misshapen or distorted. - Referring to an object that has been altered from its original shape due to damage or wear. - Talking about a person who has a physical disability or abnormality.
- Describing a physical condition where a body part is not formed correctly during development. - Referring to an object that was not made correctly or has a defect. - Talking about a person who has a genetic disorder or birth defect.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is not formed or shaped correctly.
- 2Both words can be used to describe physical conditions or objects.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words are used to describe abnormalities or defects.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Deformed implies that something was once normal but became distorted or misshapen due to injury, disease, or wear and tear. Malformed implies that something was not formed correctly from the beginning, usually due to genetic or developmental issues.
- 2Scope: Deformed can refer to any part of the body or object, while malformed is usually used to describe physical conditions or objects that are not formed correctly during development.
- 3Severity: Deformed can describe both mild and severe distortions or abnormalities, while malformed usually implies a more serious or significant defect.
- 4Usage: Deformed is more commonly used in everyday language, while malformed is more technical and often used in medical or scientific contexts.
- 5Connotation: Deformed can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being unsightly or grotesque, while malformed is more neutral and objective in its description.
Remember this!
Deformed and malformed are synonyms that describe something that is not formed or shaped correctly. However, the difference between them lies in their cause, scope, severity, usage, and connotation. Deformed implies that something was once normal but became distorted or misshapen, while malformed implies that something was not formed correctly from the beginning. Deformed is more commonly used in everyday language, while malformed is more technical and often used in medical or scientific contexts.