Definitions
- Referring to a person or group who is unfairly blamed for something they did not do. - Talking about someone who is made to take the blame for the mistakes or wrongdoings of others. - Describing a situation where someone is punished or criticized for something that is not their fault.
- Referring to a person who has suffered harm, injury, or loss due to the actions of others. - Talking about someone who has been subjected to mistreatment, abuse, or violence. - Describing a person who has been affected by a negative event or circumstance.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to people who have been affected negatively.
- 2Both words can be used to describe situations where someone has been treated unfairly.
- 3Both words can be used to describe situations where someone has suffered harm or loss.
- 4Both words can be used to describe situations where someone has been blamed for something they did not do.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: A scapegoat is blamed for something they did not do, while a victim has suffered harm or loss due to the actions of others.
- 2Intention: A scapegoat is deliberately chosen to take the blame, while a victim may not have been targeted intentionally.
- 3Responsibility: A scapegoat is not responsible for the situation they are blamed for, while a victim may or may not have contributed to their own situation.
- 4Emotion: A scapegoat may feel anger or resentment towards those who blame them, while a victim may feel fear, sadness, or trauma.
- 5Connotation: A scapegoat is often associated with injustice and unfairness, while a victim is associated with sympathy and compassion.
Remember this!
Scapegoat and victim are both words that describe negative situations involving people. However, the difference between them is the cause and intention behind the situation. A scapegoat is someone who is unfairly blamed for something they did not do, while a victim is someone who has suffered harm or loss due to the actions of others.
