Definitions
- Describing a situation where something is completely surrounded or covered by something else. - Referring to a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire, that consumes everything in its path. - Talking about a feeling of being overwhelmed or consumed by emotions or thoughts.
- Describing the action of taking food or drink into the mouth and down the throat. - Referring to a bird or animal that takes prey into its mouth and swallows it whole. - Talking about a situation where something is completely absorbed or taken over by something else.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve the idea of something being taken in or consumed.
- 2Both can refer to a physical action or a metaphorical concept.
- 3Both can be used to describe a situation where something is completely surrounded or covered.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Engulf implies a more forceful and sudden action, while swallow is a more deliberate and controlled action.
- 2Object: Engulf is often used to describe a situation where something is surrounded or covered by a large amount of something else, while swallow usually refers to the act of taking in a smaller object.
- 3Metaphor: Engulf is often used to describe overwhelming emotions or situations, while swallow is often used to describe a situation where one thing is completely absorbed or taken over by another.
- 4Connotation: Engulf can have a negative connotation, implying a sense of danger or destruction, while swallow can have a neutral or positive connotation, implying a sense of completion or success.
- 5Usage: Engulf is less common than swallow and is often used in more specific contexts, such as natural disasters or emotional overwhelm.
Remember this!
Engulf and swallow both involve the idea of something being taken in or consumed, but they differ in their forcefulness, object size, metaphorical usage, connotation, and frequency of use. Engulf is often associated with a sudden and overwhelming action, while swallow is more deliberate and controlled. Engulf is typically used in more specific contexts, such as natural disasters or emotional overwhelm, while swallow is more versatile and commonly used in everyday language.
