Definitions
- Describing a person who is stubborn and difficult to manage or control. - Referring to a material that is resistant to heat, pressure, or chemical change. - Talking about a medical condition that is resistant to treatment or medication.
- Describing a problem or situation that is difficult to solve or deal with. - Referring to a person who is uncooperative or difficult to persuade or influence. - Talking about a medical condition that is difficult to manage or cure.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is difficult to manage or control.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people, materials, or medical conditions.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Refractory is more commonly used in medical contexts, while intractable is more commonly used in general contexts.
- 2Focus: Refractory emphasizes resistance to change or treatment, while intractable emphasizes difficulty in dealing with a problem or situation.
- 3Connotation: Refractory has a more technical and formal connotation, while intractable has a more informal and colloquial connotation.
- 4Scope: Refractory is more specific and limited to certain contexts, while intractable has a broader range of applications.
Remember this!
Refractory and intractable are synonyms that describe something that is difficult to manage or control. However, refractory is more commonly used in medical contexts and emphasizes resistance to change or treatment, while intractable is more commonly used in general contexts and emphasizes difficulty in dealing with a problem or situation.
