Definitions
- Describing the act of taking back a statement or claim that was previously made. - Referring to the process of pulling something back into its original position or state. - Talking about the action of withdrawing or canceling a promise, offer, or agreement.
- Describing the act of officially canceling or invalidating a law, decision, or agreement. - Referring to the process of taking away or withdrawing a privilege, license, or right. - Talking about the action of an authority figure canceling or rescinding an order or command.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve undoing or canceling something previously done.
- 2Both can be used in legal or official contexts.
- 3Both imply a change in status or position.
- 4Both can be used in the context of correcting a mistake or wrongdoing.
- 5Both can be used in the context of taking back something that was previously granted or given.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Retract is typically used for statements or claims, while revoke is used for laws, decisions, or agreements.
- 2Authority: Retract is often done voluntarily by the person who made the statement, while revoke is usually done by an authority figure or governing body.
- 3Connotation: Retract implies correcting a mistake or error, while revoke implies a more serious action of canceling or invalidating something.
- 4Timing: Retract is often done soon after the statement was made, while revoke can happen at any time after the agreement or decision was made.
- 5Usage: Retract is more commonly used in everyday language, while revoke is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
Remember this!
Retract and revoke are both words that describe undoing or canceling something previously done. However, the difference between retract and revoke is their scope and authority. Retract is used for statements or claims and is often done voluntarily by the person who made the statement, while revoke is used for laws, decisions, or agreements and is usually done by an authority figure or governing body.