Definitions
- Describing something that causes damage or injury to a person, animal, or thing. - Referring to a substance or activity that has negative effects on health or well-being. - Talking about an action or behavior that is detrimental or hurtful to oneself or others.
- Describing something that is destructive or harmful in a subtle or gradual way. - Referring to a situation or condition that has a negative impact over time. - Talking about an influence or force that is insidious and difficult to detect.
List of Similarities
- 1Both harmful and pernicious describe things that have negative effects.
- 2Both can refer to physical or non-physical harm.
- 3Both can be used to describe substances, activities, behaviors, situations, or conditions.
- 4Both have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Pernicious implies a more severe or long-lasting harm than harmful.
- 2Subtlety: Pernicious suggests a hidden or gradual harm that may not be immediately apparent, while harmful is more straightforward.
- 3Scope: Pernicious can refer to a broader range of negative effects, including social, cultural, or economic impacts, while harmful is more limited to physical or health-related harm.
- 4Usage: Pernicious is less common and more formal than harmful, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Pernicious has a more negative and ominous connotation than harmful, which can be more neutral.
Remember this!
Harmful and pernicious are synonyms that describe things that have negative effects. However, pernicious implies a more severe and hidden harm that may not be immediately apparent, while harmful is more straightforward and limited to physical or health-related harm. Additionally, pernicious is less common and more formal than harmful.
