Definitions
- Describing the complete destruction of a physical object or structure. - Referring to the total elimination of something, such as an idea or memory. - Talking about the complete defeat or overwhelming victory of one side in a conflict.
- Describing the complete destruction or eradication of something, such as a virus or disease. - Referring to the total defeat or destruction of an enemy or opponent. - Talking about the complete and utter failure of a plan or strategy.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe complete and total destruction or elimination.
- 2Both can be used to refer to physical objects or abstract concepts.
- 3Both words emphasize the finality and irreversibility of the destruction or elimination.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Annihilate is more intense than obliterate, emphasizing a more complete and thorough destruction.
- 2Scope: Annihilate is often used in the context of warfare or conflict, while obliterate can be used in a wider range of contexts.
- 3Connotation: Annihilate has a more aggressive and violent connotation than obliterate, which can also be used in a more neutral or matter-of-fact way.
- 4Usage: Annihilate is less commonly used than obliterate in everyday language.
Remember this!
Obliterate and annihilate are synonyms that both describe complete and total destruction or elimination. However, annihilate is more intense and often used in the context of warfare or conflict, while obliterate can be used in a wider range of contexts and has a more neutral connotation.
