Emitted vs. Omitted — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Emitted" refers to something that has been produced and released, often into the environment, while "omitted" means something was left out or excluded.
Difference Between Emitted and Omitted
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Emitted" is often used in the context of something being sent out or discharged, typically in reference to gases, light, sounds, or other substances. For example, a factory emits pollutants into the air. On the other hand, "omitted" is used when something is not included, either intentionally or accidentally. This could be a detail left out of a report or a step skipped in a process.
Emissions can be anything from the carbon dioxide released by vehicles to the light emitted by a bulb. These are physical outputs that can be measured and observed. Whereas omissions are absences, such as a missing piece of information or an unperformed action, which often only become apparent through the effect of their absence.
In environmental discussions, emissions refer to the release of pollutants or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, crucial in the context of climate change debates. Omissions in this context might involve failing to include important environmental impacts in a planning document or report, which could significantly alter understanding or outcomes.
"Emitted" implies an active release or production of something, whether it's light, sound, or emissions from an industrial process. Conversely, "omitted" involves a passive absence, where something is left out either through oversight or decision, and it can significantly impact interpretations or outcomes in various contexts.
In legal or formal documents, precise language is crucial; an emitted detail is one that has been explicitly stated or released, whereas an omitted detail is one that has been excluded from the document, possibly affecting the legal interpretations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To send out or discharge
To leave out or exclude
Context
Environmental, physical processes
Informational, procedural
Implication
Active release or production
Passive exclusion or oversight
Example Use
Carbon emissions from cars
Omitted information in a report
Measurement
Can be quantified (e.g., in units)
Noticed by absence or discrepancy
Compare with Definitions
Emitted
To give off a substance as a byproduct of chemical reactions or physical processes.
The decomposing organic material emitted a foul odor.
Omitted
Left out or excluded from something, such as a list, document, or collection.
An important chapter was omitted from the final draft of the book.
Emitted
To release substances as part of normal operations in machines or systems.
The vehicle emitted a high level of pollutants due to its faulty engine.
Omitted
To skip or neglect to perform an action or include a piece of information.
He omitted to mention that the meeting time had been changed.
Emitted
Released or discharged into the surrounding environment.
The factory emitted large quantities of smoke into the atmosphere.
Omitted
To fail to include or mention part of something.
She omitted several key facts in her presentation.
Emitted
To produce and send out something like light, sound, or energy.
The sun emitted a warm, bright light.
Omitted
Not performed or included, often leading to errors or issues.
The omitted ingredient led to a less flavorful dish.
Emitted
To expel or send out matter or energy in various forms.
The speaker emitted a loud beep to signal the end of the session.
Omitted
To leave out a detail intentionally or accidentally in communication or documentation.
The contract omitted any clauses regarding overtime pay.
Emitted
To give or send out (matter or energy)
Isotopes that emit radioactive particles.
A stove emitting heat.
Omitted
To fail to include or mention; leave out
Omitted an important detail from the report.
Emitted
To give out as sound; utter
"She emitted her small strange laugh" (Edith Wharton).
Omitted
To fail or neglect to do (something)
Omitted his daily walk during our visit.
Emitted
To voice; express
Emit an idea.
Omitted
To fail or neglect (to do something)
I omitted to mention that I don't eat meat.
Emitted
To issue with authority, especially to put (currency) into circulation.
Omitted
Simple past tense and past participle of omit
Emitted
Simple past tense and past participle of emit
Common Curiosities
Can both emitted and omitted be intentional or unintentional?
Yes, both terms can apply to intentional or unintentional actions. Emissions can be controlled or accidental, and omissions can be deliberate or due to oversight.
Why is it important to avoid omissions in legal documents?
In legal documents, omissions can lead to legal vulnerabilities or misunderstandings, impacting the enforceability of the document or the rights of the parties involved.
What are the environmental impacts of emissions?
Emissions, especially of pollutants and greenhouse gases, can have significant environmental impacts, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
How do professionals manage emissions in industrial settings?
Professionals use various control technologies and practices to reduce, monitor, and manage emissions to meet environmental standards.
What does it mean when something is emitted?
When something is emitted, it means it has been produced and released into the environment, often referring to substances or energy.
What are common reasons for omissions in reporting or documentation?
Common reasons include human error, lack of information, or intentional exclusion to mislead or simplify.
How does omission affect the completeness of information?
An omission can lead to incomplete information, potentially causing misunderstandings or incorrect conclusions based on the incomplete data.
How should omitted information be handled once discovered?
Once discovered, omitted information should be evaluated for its impact and, if necessary, integrated correctly into the document or process to ensure accuracy and completeness.
How can omissions be detected in processes or documents?
Omissions can be detected through reviews, audits, or feedback, which can identify gaps or discrepancies in processes or documents.
What are examples of emissions in everyday life?
Examples include the carbon dioxide emitted by cars, methane emitted by livestock, or heat emitted by appliances.
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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
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
