Definitions
- Describing an action taken to prevent something from happening before it occurs. - Referring to a strategy employed to stop or hinder an event or action from taking place. - Talking about a preemptive measure taken to avoid a negative outcome or consequence.
- Referring to an action that slows down or obstructs progress or movement. - Describing an obstacle or barrier that hinders the completion of a task or goal. - Talking about a situation where something prevents or delays the achievement of a desired outcome.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that hinder or prevent progress.
- 2Both words can be used to describe obstacles or barriers.
- 3Both words can be used in a variety of contexts.
- 4Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Timing: Forestall refers to actions taken before an event occurs, while impede refers to actions taken during or after an event.
- 2Intention: Forestall is proactive and preventative, while impede is reactive and obstructive.
- 3Degree: Impede implies a more significant obstruction or hindrance than forestall.
- 4Focus: Forestall emphasizes avoiding negative outcomes, while impede focuses on slowing down or stopping progress.
- 5Usage: Forestall is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, while impede is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Remember this!
Forestall and impede are synonyms that describe actions that hinder or prevent progress. However, the difference between the two is their timing, intention, degree, focus, and usage. Forestall is proactive and preventative, referring to actions taken before an event occurs to avoid negative outcomes. On the other hand, impede is reactive and obstructive, referring to actions taken during or after an event to slow down or stop progress. While forestall is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, impede is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
