Daunting vs. Scary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 18, 2024
Daunting refers to something intimidating and challenging, often requiring significant effort or courage, while scary describes something that causes fear or fright.
Difference Between Daunting and Scary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Daunting tasks are those that appear difficult to achieve due to their complexity or magnitude. They often require mental or physical preparation and can be overwhelming. Scary situations, on the other hand, evoke a direct emotional response of fear or anxiety, typically due to perceived danger or the unknown.
Daunting often implies a psychological barrier that one must overcome, such as a challenging project or a major life change. It speaks to the intimidation factor without necessarily implying immediate danger. Scary is more about an immediate, visceral reaction to a threat or a frightening scenario, like a horror movie or a sudden loud noise.
When faced with a daunting challenge, individuals may feel apprehensive about their ability to succeed. It focuses on the effort and courage needed to tackle the challenge. Conversely, something scary provokes an instinctive fear response, making one want to avoid or escape the situation immediately.
Daunting situations often require careful planning and resilience to manage, reflecting a more prolonged effort to conquer the fear or difficulty. Scary instances usually involve an acute, short-term fear that might not require long-term effort to address but is more about immediate survival or safety.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Intimidating, challenging
Causing fear, frightening
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Emotional Response
Apprehension, intimidation
Fear, anxiety
Time Frame
Prolonged effort
Immediate reaction
Common Context
Difficult tasks or challenges
Dangerous or frightening scenarios
Psychological Impact
Requires courage and preparation
Evokes instinctive fear
Compare with Definitions
Daunting
Intimidating or challenging.
The final exam was daunting for many students.
Scary
Causing fear or fright.
The haunted house was truly scary.
Daunting
Overwhelming due to complexity.
The sheer size of the project was daunting.
Scary
Frightening to the senses.
The sudden scream in the movie was scary.
Daunting
Requiring significant effort.
Climbing the mountain seemed like a daunting task.
Scary
Perceived as dangerous.
Walking alone at night can be scary.
Daunting
Creating a sense of apprehension.
The new job responsibilities were daunting.
Scary
Making one feel uneasy or threatened.
The abandoned building had a scary atmosphere.
Daunting
To lessen the courage or resolution of; dishearten or intimidate
"Dogged by sickness, daunted by the continuing economic downturn, he continued to fall behind" (Brooks D. Simpson).
Scary
Causing fright or alarm.
Daunting
Discouraging; inspiring fear.
Scary
Easily scared; very timid.
Daunting
Intimidatingly impressive; awe-inspiring, overwhelming.
Scary
Causing fear or anxiety
The tiger's jaws were scary.
She was hiding behind her pillow during the scary parts of the film.
Daunting
Appearing to be difficult; challenging.
It was a daunting task, but it was accomplished with some forward planning.
Scary
(informal) Uncannily striking or surprising.
Linda changed her hair, and it’s scary how much she looks like her mother.
Daunting
Gerund of daunt.
Scary
Subject to sudden alarm; easily frightened.
Daunting
The act of discouraging or intimidating; discouragement, intimidation.
Scary
(informal) To a scary extent; scarily.
Daunting
The act of defeating, overcoming, or overwhelming.
Scary
Barren land having only a thin coat of grass.
Daunting
Present participle of daunt
Scary
Barren land having only a thin coat of grass.
Daunting
Serving to discourage, dishearten, or intimidate; discouraging; disheartening. Opposite of encouraging.
Scary
Subject to sudden alarm.
Daunting
Discouraging through fear
Scary
Causing fright; alarming.
Daunting
Likely to discourage or frighten.
The thought of public speaking was daunting to her.
Scary
So scary as to cause chills and shudders;
The most terrible and shuddery...tales of murder and revenge
Scary
Evoking anxiety or terror.
The loud thunderstorm was scary for the children.
Common Curiosities
Is "daunting" always negative?
Not necessarily; it can imply a challenge that is significant but potentially rewarding.
What does "daunting" mean?
Daunting refers to something intimidating or challenging, often requiring significant effort or courage.
What does "scary" mean?
Scary describes something that causes fear or fright, often provoking an immediate emotional response.
Is "scary" always negative?
Typically, yes, as it involves fear or anxiety, though some people enjoy the thrill of scary experiences.
Can a task be both daunting and scary?
Yes, a task can be both daunting and scary if it is both challenging and evokes fear.
Is public speaking more daunting or scary?
It can be both; daunting due to the effort required to perform well and scary due to the fear of speaking in front of an audience.
Can a person be described as daunting?
Yes, a person can be described as daunting if they seem intimidating or challenging to approach.
Is a scary situation usually short-term?
Generally, yes, scary situations often provoke an immediate, short-term fear response.
Can a person be described as scary?
Yes, a person can be described as scary if they evoke fear or seem threatening.
Is a daunting task usually long-term?
Often, yes, daunting tasks typically require prolonged effort and resilience.
Does daunting imply danger?
Not necessarily; it implies difficulty and challenge rather than direct danger.
Does scary imply danger?
Often, yes, scary situations usually involve perceived or real danger.
Can a movie be described as daunting?
Unlikely, as daunting is more suited to tasks or challenges rather than entertainment.
Can a new job be daunting?
Yes, a new job can be daunting if it presents significant challenges and responsibilities.
Can a movie be described as scary?
Yes, a movie can be described as scary if it provokes fear or fright.
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Written 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.
Co-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.
