student asking question

What is the difference between "revenge" and "vengeance"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Good question! "Revenge" and "vengeance" are similar, however they are not completely synonymous. "Revenge" is more personal, and usually refers to a person doing something out of spite towards another person. "Vengeance" on the other hand is less personal and more about doing something to restore justice. So "vengeance" is more general, less about personal wrongs and more about justice as a whole. Ex: They sought vengeance on the corrupt government. Ex: He wanted revenge on the thief.

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