Definitions
- Referring to the smallest or weakest animal in a litter. - Describing a person who is small in size or weak in strength. - Talking about something that is smaller or weaker than others of its kind.
- Referring to a young dog, especially one that is still nursing. - Describing the act of giving birth to puppies. - Talking about a young animal in general, such as a wolf or lion.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to animals.
- 2Both words have a negative connotation.
- 3Both words can be used figuratively to describe people or things.
- 4Both words are relatively uncommon in everyday language.
What is the difference?
- 1Age: Runt refers to the smallest or weakest animal in a litter, while whelp specifically refers to a young dog that is still nursing.
- 2Size: Runt emphasizes small size, while whelp does not necessarily imply small size.
- 3Function: Runt describes a specific characteristic of an animal, while whelp can refer to the animal itself or the act of giving birth.
- 4Connotation: Runt has a negative connotation, implying weakness or inferiority, while whelp is neutral or even positive, emphasizing youth and new life.
- 5Usage: Runt is more commonly used to describe animals, while whelp is more specific to dogs and can also be used as a verb.
Remember this!
Runt and whelp are both words that refer to animals, but they have different meanings and connotations. Runt refers to the smallest or weakest animal in a litter, often with a negative connotation, while whelp specifically refers to a young dog that is still nursing, with a neutral or even positive connotation. While both words can be used figuratively to describe people or things, runt emphasizes small size and weakness, while whelp emphasizes youth and new life.
