The words “hurdle” and “hurtle” are often confused due to their similar sounds, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for accurate communication. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their meanings.
Hurdle
Definition:
“Hurdle” refers to a difficulty, obstacle, or barrier that must be overcome. It can be used literally, as in a physical barrier in a race, or figuratively, as in a challenge or difficulty in life.
Examples of use:
“The Health Care Bill cleared a big hurdle in the Senate today.”
“She faced many hurdles on her way to becoming a successful entrepreneur.”
“The team must overcome several hurdles before they can launch the new product.”
Hurtle
Definition:
“Hurtle” means to move with great speed or to go violently, often with force and momentum. It can describe physical movement, like a person or object speeding through space, or metaphorical movement, like the rapid approach of an event.
Examples of use:
“Many baby boomers are hurtling toward their retirement age.”
“The tornado sent debris hurtling all over the community.”
“The car hurtled down the highway at breakneck speed.”
While “hurdle” and “hurtle” sound alike, they have very different meanings. “Hurdle” refers to an obstacle or difficulty, while “hurtle” describes rapid, often forceful movement. Knowing these distinctions will help you use these words correctly in various contexts.
