What is the difference between supplant and usurp?

Definitions

supplant

- Referring to the act of replacing someone or something in a position of power or authority.

- Talking about taking over a role or position that someone else previously held.

- Describing the process of displacing or removing someone or something from a position of importance.

usurp

- Referring to the act of taking power or authority by force or without legal right.

- Talking about seizing a position or role that rightfully belongs to someone else.

- Describing the process of taking control or possession of something that does not belong to you.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words involve taking over or replacing someone or something.
• 2. Both words imply a shift in power or authority.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe a negative or hostile action.
• 4. Both words are often used in a figurative sense rather than a literal one.

What is the difference?

• 1. Method: Supplant implies a gradual or natural replacement, while usurp implies a sudden or forceful takeover.
• 2. Legality: Supplant can be done legally or through normal means, while usurp is often associated with illegal or illegitimate actions.
• 3. Ownership: Supplant can refer to replacing something that does not necessarily belong to anyone, while usurp implies taking something that rightfully belongs to someone else.
• 4. Connotation: Supplant has a more neutral or even positive connotation, while usurp has a negative or hostile connotation.
• 5. Scope: Supplant can refer to replacing anything from a person to an idea, while usurp is typically used to describe taking over a position or role.

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Remember this!

Supplant and usurp are synonyms that both refer to taking over or replacing someone or something. However, the difference between supplant and usurp lies in the method, legality, ownership, connotation, and scope. Supplant implies a gradual or natural replacement that can be done legally, while usurp implies a sudden or forceful takeover that is often associated with illegal or illegitimate actions and taking something that rightfully belongs to someone else.