Definitions
- Describing a strong urge or motivation to do something. - Referring to an inner drive or force that propels someone to take action. - Talking about a powerful influence or inspiration that moves someone to act.
- Referring to a legal or moral obligation to do something. - Describing a situation where someone is forced to act against their will. - Talking about a strong external force or pressure that drives someone to take action.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a force that drives someone to take action.
- 2Both words imply a sense of urgency or necessity.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
- 4Both words can be used to describe an internal or external force that motivates someone.
What is the difference?
- 1Volition: Impel implies a sense of willingness or desire, while compel suggests a lack of choice or free will.
- 2Force: Impel suggests a more subtle or indirect force, while compel implies a stronger or more direct force.
- 3Moral vs Legal: Compel is often used in legal contexts, while impel is more commonly used in moral or ethical contexts.
- 4Connotation: Impel has a more positive connotation, while compel can have a negative connotation.
Remember this!
While impel and compel are synonyms that both describe a force that drives someone to take action, there are some key differences between the two. Impel implies a sense of willingness or desire, while compel suggests a lack of choice or free will. Additionally, compel is often used in legal contexts, while impel is more commonly used in moral or ethical contexts. Overall, impel has a more positive connotation, while compel can have a negative connotation.