Definitions
- Referring to standing or moving around without any apparent purpose or goal. - Describing a person who is lingering in a public place without any specific reason. - Talking about someone who is delaying or wasting time by being idle or inactive.
- Referring to hiding or waiting in a concealed or secretive manner. - Describing someone who is watching or observing without being noticed. - Talking about someone who is waiting for an opportunity to do something harmful or illegal.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve being in a particular location.
- 2Both can be associated with suspicious behavior.
- 3Both can be used to describe people who are not actively engaged in a task.
- 4Both can be used to describe negative or undesirable behavior.
- 5Both can be used to describe people who are not moving quickly or with purpose.
What is the difference?
- 1Location: Loitering typically takes place in a public area, while lurking can happen in a more private or secluded location.
- 2Purpose: Loitering implies a lack of purpose or goal, while lurking suggests a hidden or secretive purpose.
- 3Behavior: Loitering is often seen as a nuisance or annoyance, while lurking can be seen as more sinister or threatening.
- 4Observation: Loitering does not necessarily involve observing or watching, while lurking often implies a hidden observation or surveillance.
- 5Connotation: Loitering is generally considered a less serious offense than lurking, which can imply criminal intent.
Remember this!
Loiter and lurk both refer to being in a particular location without a specific purpose or goal. However, the difference between loiter and lurk is their behavior and intent. Loitering implies a lack of purpose or goal, often in a public area, while lurking suggests a hidden or secretive purpose, often in a more private or secluded location. Lurking can also imply criminal intent or a more sinister behavior.
