Definitions
- Describing something that is unnecessary or excessive. - Referring to something that is given or received without reason or justification. - Talking about something that is added for no apparent reason or purpose.
- Referring to something that is not earned or merited. - Describing something that is received without deserving it. - Talking about something that is given without justification or reason.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is not justified or deserved.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a situation where something is given or received without reason or merit.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Gratuitous is often used to describe something that is excessive or unnecessary, while undeserved is used to describe something that is not earned or merited.
- 2Focus: Gratuitous emphasizes the unnecessary or excessive nature of something, while undeserved focuses on the lack of merit or justification.
- 3Connotation: Gratuitous has a more neutral connotation, while undeserved has a more negative connotation.
- 4Scope: Gratuitous can be used in a wider range of contexts than undeserved, which is more limited in its usage.
Remember this!
While both gratuitous and undeserved describe situations where something is not justified or deserved, they differ in their usage, focus, connotation, scope, and etymology. Gratuitous emphasizes the unnecessary or excessive nature of something, while undeserved focuses on the lack of merit or justification. Gratuitous has a more neutral connotation, while undeserved has a more negative connotation. Gratuitous can be used in a wider range of contexts than undeserved, which is more limited in its usage.
