Avenge vs Revenge
What’s the difference between them?
Avenge
Meaning:
to give payback out of a sense of justice.
Examples:
1. The superhero vowed to avenge the innocent lives lost by pursuing the villain responsible for the destruction.
2. The detective sought to avenge the victim's family by ensuring that the perpetrator faced the consequences of their actions.
3. The nation rallied together to avenge the attack on its sovereignty, defending itself against the invading forces.
Revenge
Meaning:
to give payback out of a sense of vindictiveness; vengeance.
Examples:
1. The antagonist plotted to seek revenge on those who had thwarted their plans, driven by a deep sense of anger and hatred.
2. The classic tale of revenge in literature often explores the consequences of seeking vengeance at any cost.
3. Instead of seeking revenge, she chose to forgive and move forward, believing in the power of reconciliation.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Avenge
1. Retaliate
2. Get Even
3. Exact Justice
1. Forgive
2. Reconcile
3. Pardon
4. Absolve
5. Make Amends
Revenge
1. Retribution
2. Recompense
3. Vengeance
4. Payback
1. Forgiveness
2. Mercy
3. Clemency
4. Pardon
5. Forgetting Past Wrongs
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Avenge", "Revenge".
1. Remember that 'avenge' is derived from the Latin word 'vindicare,' which means to claim what is due, while 'revenge' comes from the Latin word 'vindicta,' which means to seek retribution.
2. 'Avenge' is often used in the context of bringing justice, such as a hero avenging a wronged person.
3. 'Revenge,' on the other hand, usually implies a desire for vengeance or retribution.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
Avenge should be used when there is a sense of justice that needs to be satisfied or restored. It implies that the wrongdoer is deserving of punishment and that the act of payback is justified.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
Revenge should be used when there is a sense of vindictiveness or vengeance that needs to be satisfied. It implies that the wrongdoer is undeserving of punishment and that the act of payback is not justified.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Avenge is pronounced with a hard 'g' sound, while revenge is pronounced with a soft 'j' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing the two of them. Avenge should be used to refer to acts of justice, while revenge should be used to refer to acts of vengeance. Additionally, people often forget to pronounce the words correctly, mistakenly using a hard 'g' sound when saying revenge.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The superhero vowed to _____ the death of his parents by bringing the villain to justice.
2. He was consumed with the desire for _____ after his brother was betrayed.
3. Her actions were not about justice; they were purely about _____.
4. The knights set out on a quest to _____ the fallen king.
5. Taking _____ on someone can be a dangerous path to tread.
6. Some believe in karma, thinking it will _____ wrongdoers in its own time.
1. avenge
Explanation: The sentence emphasizes the superheros sense of justice and righting a wrong. Thus, avenge is appropriate as it refers to rectifying a wrong out of a sense of justice.
2. revenge
Explanation: The sentence suggests a personal, emotional desire tied to betrayal, which aligns more with revenge and its association with vindictiveness.
3. revenge
Explanation: The mention of actions being not about justice hints towards an act driven by personal vendetta or vindictiveness, making revenge the suitable choice.
4. avenge
Explanation: The knights quest is to right a wrong (the fallen king) with a sense of justice or duty, which fits the definition of avenge.
5. revenge
Explanation: The sentence warns of the dangers of seeking payback with vindictive motives, aligning with the concept of revenge.
6. avenge
Explanation: The context here is of karma acting in a just manner to right wrongs, which is closer to the definition of avenge as it speaks of rectifying an injustice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.