Definitions
- Referring to a physical or mental disability that affects a person's ability to perform certain tasks. - Talking about a disadvantage or limitation that hinders someone's progress or success. - Describing a system of assigning advantages or disadvantages to level the playing field in competitive activities.
- Referring to a physical or non-physical barrier that blocks or impedes progress or movement. - Talking about a challenge or difficulty that must be overcome to achieve a goal. - Describing a problem or issue that stands in the way of success or progress.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to something that hinders or blocks progress.
- 2Both can be physical or non-physical.
- 3Both can be overcome with effort or assistance.
- 4Both can be used in a figurative sense to describe non-physical challenges.
What is the difference?
- 1Type: Handicap is typically a disadvantage that affects a person's ability to perform certain tasks, while obstacle can be any type of barrier or challenge.
- 2Usage: Handicap is more commonly used in the context of sports or competitions, while obstacle is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
- 3Connotation: Handicap can have negative connotations when used to describe a person's disability, while obstacle is more neutral and can be used to describe any type of challenge.
- 4Solution: Handicap may require accommodations or adjustments to level the playing field, while obstacle may require problem-solving or creative thinking to overcome.
Remember this!
Handicap and obstacle both refer to something that hinders or blocks progress, but they differ in their origin, type, usage, connotation, and solution. Handicap is often associated with physical or mental disabilities and is commonly used in the context of sports or competitions. In contrast, obstacle can refer to any type of hindrance and is more versatile in its usage. While handicap may require accommodations or adjustments to level the playing field, obstacle may require problem-solving or creative thinking to overcome.