Definitions
- Describing a feeling of fear or terror caused by something or someone. - Referring to an action that causes someone to feel scared or frightened. - Talking about a situation or event that is scary or alarming.
- Describing a sudden, unexpected reaction to something surprising or shocking. - Referring to an action that causes someone to jump or react suddenly. - Talking about a situation or event that is unexpected or surprising.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a reaction to something unexpected or scary.
- 2Both words can be used as verbs or adjectives.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a person's emotional state.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a situation or event.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Frighten implies a more intense and prolonged feeling of fear, while startle is a sudden and brief reaction to something unexpected.
- 2Intensity: Frighten is more intense than startle and can cause a person to freeze or feel paralyzed with fear.
- 3Duration: Frighten can last longer than startle, which is usually a brief reaction.
- 4Action: Startle involves a physical reaction such as jumping or gasping, while frighten does not necessarily involve a physical response.
- 5Connotation: Frighten has a more negative connotation than startle, which can be neutral or even positive in some contexts.
Remember this!
Frighten and startle are both words that describe a reaction to something unexpected or scary. However, the difference between them lies in their intensity, duration, and physical response. Frighten is a more intense and prolonged feeling of fear, while startle is a sudden and brief reaction that involves a physical response such as jumping or gasping.
