Definitions
- Referring to something that slows down or hinders progress. - Talking about an obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a goal. - Describing a situation where something is blocking the way or making movement difficult.
- Referring to something that blocks or prevents movement or progress. - Talking about an obstacle that makes it impossible to achieve a goal. - Describing a situation where something is in the way and preventing movement or progress.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something that hinders or prevents progress.
- 2Both words describe obstacles that make it difficult to achieve a goal.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical or metaphorical barriers.
- 4Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Obstruct implies a stronger and more complete blockage than impede.
- 2Cause: Impede suggests a hindrance caused by external factors, while obstruct can also imply intentional interference.
- 3Degree: Impede can describe a partial or temporary obstruction, while obstruct implies a complete or long-lasting blockage.
- 4Usage: Impede is more commonly used in formal contexts, while obstruct is more common in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Impede has a neutral connotation, while obstruct has a more negative connotation.
Remember this!
Impede and obstruct are synonyms that both describe obstacles that hinder or prevent progress. However, obstruct implies a stronger and more complete blockage than impede, and can also imply intentional interference. Impede is more versatile and can describe partial or temporary obstructions, while obstruct implies a complete or long-lasting blockage. Additionally, impede is more commonly used in formal contexts, while obstruct is more common in everyday language.
