Definitions
- Describing an unsteady or shaky movement due to weakness or instability. - Referring to a person who is wobbly or unstable on their feet. - Talking about something that is likely to fall or collapse due to being poorly constructed or unstable.
- Describing something that is unstable or shaky due to being old, worn out, or poorly constructed. - Referring to a person who is weak or frail due to illness or old age. - Talking about a vehicle or machine that is in poor condition and likely to break down or malfunction.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is unstable or unsteady.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a person's physical condition.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a structure or object that is poorly constructed or in disrepair.
What is the difference?
- 1Cause: Tottery implies weakness or instability due to a physical condition, while rickety implies instability due to being old, worn out, or poorly constructed.
- 2Intensity: Tottery suggests a slight unsteadiness or wobbliness, while rickety suggests a more severe instability or shakiness.
- 3Scope: Tottery is typically used to describe a person's physical condition or movement, while rickety is used to describe structures, objects, or machines.
- 4Connotation: Tottery has a more sympathetic connotation, suggesting a person who is struggling due to a physical condition, while rickety can have a negative connotation, suggesting something that is poorly made or in disrepair.
- 5Usage: Tottery is less commonly used than rickety and may be considered more formal or literary.
Remember this!
Tottery and rickety are synonyms that both describe instability or unsteadiness. However, tottery suggests weakness or instability due to a physical condition, while rickety suggests instability due to being old, worn out, or poorly constructed. Additionally, tottery is typically used to describe a person's physical condition or movement, while rickety is used to describe structures, objects, or machines.
