In this lesson, we’ll differentiate between the confused words: “Afflict” and “Inflict.” Although they both involve causing harm or suffering, they are used in distinct contexts and convey different actions. Let’s explore their definitions and examples to understand their differences clearly.
Word 1: Afflict
Definition:
“Afflict” means to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something.
Example of use:
“The disease first afflicted people who were not vaccinated, spreading rapidly through the community.”
“Poverty continues to afflict many regions of the world, leading to hunger and despair.”
Word 2: Inflict
Definition:
“Inflict” means to cause harm or suffering deliberately, often through aggressive action.
Example of use:
“The reckless driver inflicted injuries on innocent pedestrians when he lost control of his vehicle.”
“The vandal deliberately inflicted damage on public property, defacing walls with graffiti.”
Summary:
In summary, “Afflict” involves causing suffering or distress, while “Inflict” specifically refers to causing harm or suffering deliberately through aggressive action. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately describing actions that result in harm or suffering in various contexts.
