Words with similar meanings
Dear Dr English,
I want to know the difference between ÒhappenÓand ÒoccurÓ. Please also tell me how to use ÒpromptlyÓ, ÒabruptlyÓ and ÒinstantlyÓ. Lastly, what is the difference between a ÒmythÓ and a ÒlegendÓ?
Please accept my thanks in advance.
Vilasinee Thanakhumtorn
ÒHappenÓ and ÒoccurÓ are verbs that have more than one meaning and among their many meanings there are some that they share and some that they donÕt share. They are not totally different. The meanings that make them synonymous are such as to take place, to come about, to come into existence.
The accident happened around midnight.
The accident occurred around midnight.
But when you want to explain that something comes to mind, you use ÒoccurÓ and not ÒhappenÓ; as in, ÒIt never occurred to him that he had been too harsh on his children.Ó Or when you want to say that something exists or is present in a particular place; as in, ÒBackache commonly occurs in workers who regularly carry heavy items.Ó
ÒPromptlyÓ, ÒabruptlyÓ and ÒinstantlyÓ are adverbs. They give information about how, when, where or in what circumstance something happens. In this case, ÒpromptlyÓ and ÒinstantlyÓ explain that something is done or happens immediately and without delay. ÒPromptlyÓ also means that someone does something at exactly the time that it has been arranged. In other words, punctually. ÒAbruptlyÓ means suddenly and without warning. Its other meaning is rudely. The three adverbs can be either in front of or after a verb.
You must answer all the questions promptly./Having reconsidered, Sandy promptly changed her clothes.
The first car stopped abruptly, causing the following car to crash into it. The driver abruptly stopped the car when he saw the policeman at the traffic light.
The dark powder melted instantly./ The girl instantly called the police.
A ÒmythÓ is a story that people have made up in the past. It deals with supernatural beings, ancestors or heroes who serve to unfold part of the world view of a people or to explain a practice, belief or natural phenomenon.
A ÒlegendÓ is a very old and popular story that may or may not be true; this meaning is similar to a myth. Another meaning of legend is a story that many people are talking about. These stories concern people, places or famous events.
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