Calamity vs. Affliction — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Calamity refers to a sudden, severe disaster or misfortune, while Affliction denotes prolonged suffering or a condition causing pain or distress.
Difference Between Calamity and Affliction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Calamity and Affliction, while both indicating adverse situations or conditions, have nuanced differences in usage and implication. Calamity often denotes an event that brings significant disruption or damage, typically occurring abruptly. Examples include natural disasters, financial crashes, or large-scale accidents. Affliction, on the other hand, refers more to a state or condition that causes pain, distress, or hardship. It often carries a prolonged sense, unlike the suddenness associated with Calamity.
Diving deeper, Calamity is typically external, often beyond human control. Think of earthquakes, tsunamis, or widespread fires. These events create immediate and often vast devastation. Conversely, Affliction can be both external, like a disease, or internal, such as emotional turmoil or psychological distress. The key with Affliction is its persistence, continually or recurrently causing suffering.
Moreover, while Calamity often impacts groups of people or communities, Affliction can be individualized. A person might face a personal Affliction, like chronic illness or grief, that isn't shared by others around them. Yet, a Calamity, like a flood, generally affects a broader segment of the population.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A sudden, severe misfortune or disaster.
A state or condition of pain, distress, or suffering.
Duration
Often abrupt and short-lived.
Typically prolonged or persistent.
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Scope
Usually affects a large group or area.
Can be individual or widespread.
Grammar
Primarily used as a noun.
Used as a noun.
Examples
Natural disasters, financial crises.
Diseases, emotional distress, chronic conditions.
Compare with Definitions
Calamity
A grave event leading to adversity.
The drought was a Calamity for local farmers.
Affliction
A condition causing pain or suffering.
Chronic pain is an Affliction she has lived with for years.
Calamity
A severe, often sudden disaster.
The earthquake was a Calamity that impacted thousands.
Affliction
Something that distresses or torments.
Grief was his constant Affliction after the loss.
Calamity
An event causing vast harm or loss.
The stock market crash was an economic Calamity.
Affliction
A cause of ongoing discomfort or misery.
Poverty is a major Affliction in many parts of the world.
Calamity
A situation causing extreme distress.
Losing their home was a Calamity for the family.
Affliction
A cause of pain or harm
A crippling affliction of the nervous system
Calamity
A significant misfortune or failure.
The project's failure was a Calamity for the company.
Affliction
A condition of pain, suffering, or distress
The affliction of arthritis.
Calamity
An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a disaster
A hurricane would be a calamity for this low-lying coastal region.
Affliction
A cause of pain, suffering, or distress
"The mount twists wind and weather to alter them into afflictions as a heartless monarch does laws" (William Least Heat-Moon).
Calamity
Dire distress resulting from loss or tragedy.
Affliction
A state of pain, suffering, distress or agony.
Calamity
An event resulting in great loss.
Affliction
Something which causes pain, suffering, distress or agony.
Calamity
The distress that results from some disaster.
Affliction
The cause of continued pain of body or mind, as sickness, losses, etc.; an instance of grievous distress; a pain or grief.
To repay that money will be a biting affliction.
Calamity
Any great misfortune or cause of misery; - generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evil, either to communities or individuals.
Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.
Affliction
The state of being afflicted; a state of pain, distress, or grief.
Some virtues are seen only in affliction.
Calamity
A state or time of distress or misfortune; misery.
The deliberations of calamity are rarely wise.
Where'er I came I brought calamity.
Affliction
A state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
Calamity
An event resulting in great loss and misfortune;
The whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
The earthquake was a disaster
Affliction
A condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
Affliction
A cause of great suffering and distress
Affliction
A chronic illness or ailment.
Diabetes is an Affliction affecting millions.
Affliction
Mental or emotional distress.
Depression is an Affliction that needs compassionate understanding.
Common Curiosities
Can a Calamity lead to an Affliction?
Yes, a Calamity like a natural disaster can result in prolonged Afflictions such as trauma.
Is a Calamity always natural?
No, Calamities can be man-made, like financial crashes.
Is every Affliction a result of a Calamity?
No, Afflictions can arise from various causes, not just Calamities.
Which word has a broader scope, Calamity or Affliction?
Calamity often has a broader scope, affecting large groups, whereas Affliction can be individualized.
Can an Affliction be emotional?
Yes, emotional turmoil or psychological distress can be considered an Affliction.
Can someone have multiple Afflictions?
Yes, an individual can experience multiple conditions or states of suffering.
Can a person be the cause of another's Affliction?
Yes, someone's actions or behavior can lead to another's distress or Affliction.
Are wars considered Calamities?
Yes, wars causing vast devastation can be seen as Calamities.
Can Affliction be used in a positive context?
Typically, no. Affliction indicates distress or suffering.
Are Calamity and Affliction interchangeable?
No, while both indicate adversity, Calamity is sudden and broad, while Affliction is prolonged suffering.
Is the impact of a Calamity always immediate?
While Calamities are often sudden, their impacts can be both immediate and long-lasting.
Are diseases considered Calamities or Afflictions?
Diseases are typically seen as Afflictions, but widespread outbreaks can be viewed as Calamities.
What's the origin of the word Calamity?
"Calamity" stems from Latin "calamitas" meaning "damage, loss, failure."
Can a Calamity be prevented?
Some Calamities, especially natural ones, can't be prevented, but their impacts can sometimes be mitigated.
How is Affliction different from pain?
While both indicate discomfort, Affliction is a broader term, encompassing various forms of distress or suffering.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
