How can you tell the difference between "catastrophe" and "disaster"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
A "disaster" is a very general description of an event that occurs when there is a loss of control which causes damage or misfortune. It can be minor or extreme. Ex: That presentation yesterday was a disaster. Ex: The drought brought disaster to the nation. A "catastrophe" is usually much more extreme than a disaster. A "catastrophe" is a sudden event that occurs which is extremely severe and has horrible effects. Ex: We have entered into a world-wide catastrophe. Ex: The Great Depression was a national economic catastrophe.