Vise vs. Vice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
A vise is a mechanical tool used to hold an object firmly in place during work, whereas vice refers to immoral or wicked behavior.
Difference Between Vise and Vice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A vise is a clamping tool that mechanically secures an object to allow work to be performed on it, typically attached to workbenches in workshops. In contrast, vice is a term used to describe immoral, unethical, or corrupt behavior, often discussed in social, legal, and religious contexts.
Visually, a vise consists of two parallel jaws one fixed and the other movable connected by a screw mechanism. On the other hand, vice has no physical form but is represented in various forms of destructive or harmful acts, such as gambling, lying, or theft.
The primary function of a vise is to provide stability and support for materials being worked on, making tasks like sawing, drilling, or welding easier and safer. Vice, however, represents actions that destabilize societal norms and individual lives through harmful consequences.
Maintenance and usage of a vise involve regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Whereas managing vice often involves educational, legal, or therapeutic interventions aimed at prevention or rehabilitation.
While a vise is an essential tool in many types of manual labor and manufacturing, contributing positively to productivity, vice generally has negative connotations and implications, often leading to social, financial, or legal problems.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A mechanical tool to hold objects securely
Immoral or wicked behavior
Physical Form
Consists of metal jaws, a screw mechanism
Conceptual, no physical form
Purpose/Use
Facilitates manual and technical work
Represents harmful or destructive behavior
Maintenance
Requires lubrication and cleaning
Managed through social/legal interventions
Social Implication
Used in productive labor settings
Often leads to personal or societal issues
Compare with Definitions
Vise
Comprised of two parallel jaws for clamping, typically made of sturdy materials like steel.
The metal jaws of the vise were durable enough to withstand heavy-duty machining.
Vice
Often involves habits that can lead to personal or social harm.
Smoking is considered a vice due to its health risks and addictive nature.
Vise
Essential for tasks that require precision and stability.
Using a vise, she held the jewelry parts firmly in place while applying intricate engravings.
Vice
Managed or mitigated through laws, counseling, or community support.
There are several programs aimed at helping young people steer clear of vices like drug abuse.
Vise
Operates through a screw mechanism that adjusts the distance between the jaws.
By turning the handle of the vise, he adjusted the grip on the delicate metal piece.
Vice
A practice of immoral or wicked behavior.
His gambling addiction was a vice that he struggled to overcome.
Vise
Commonly found in workshops and used in various crafts and industries.
Every carpenter's workshop has a vise installed on one of the workbenches.
Vice
Frequently a subject of moral judgment in various cultures.
In many societies, excessive drinking is looked down upon as a vice.
Vise
A tool used to hold an object securely in place to facilitate work on it.
He tightened the vise around the wood to keep it stable while sawing.
Vice
Can be associated with illegal activities, contributing to crime and societal issues.
Drug trafficking is not just a vice but a serious crime affecting entire communities.
Vise
A vice or vise (American English) is a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. Vises have two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, threaded in and out by a screw and lever.
Vice
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trait, a defect, an infirmity, or a bad or unhealthy habit.
Vise
A heavy clamp, usually mounted on a workbench and operated by a screw or lever, used in carpentry or metalworking to hold a piece in position.
Vice
A practice or habit considered to be evil, degrading, or immoral
The vices of smoking and drinking.
Vise
To hold or compress in or as if in a vise.
Vice
Wicked or depraved conduct or habits; corruption
"sharpers, desperadoes, pirates, and criminals steeped in vice" (Carl Holliday).
Vise
(US) An instrument consisting of two jaws, closing by a screw, lever, cam, or the like, for holding work, as in filing.
Vice
Prostitution, the sale of illegal drugs, and certain other forms of usually nonviolent criminal behavior.
Vise
To clamp with or as with a vise.
Vice
A slight personal failing; a foible
The vice of untidiness.
Vise
An instrument consisting of two jaws, closing by a screw, lever, cam, or the like, for holding work, as in filing.
Vice
A flaw or imperfection; a defect
"Lady Hester remarked on the vice in his looks" (Edna O'Brien).
Vise
An indorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities of certain countries on the continent of Europe, denoting that it has been examined, and that the person who bears it is permitted to proceed on his journey; a visa.
Vice
Vice A character representing generalized or particular vice in English morality plays.
Vise
To examine and indorse, as a passport; to visa.
Vice
A jester or buffoon.
Vise
A holding device attached to a workbench; has two jaws to hold workpiece firmly in place
Vice
Variant of vise.
Vice
In place of; replacing
Ms. Fine acted as treasurer, vice Mr. Smith.
Vice
A bad habit.
Pride is a vice, not a virtue.
Smoking was a vice Sally picked up in high school.
Vice
(legal) Any of various crimes related (depending on jurisdiction) to weapons, prostitution, pornography, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Vice
Clip of vice squad
Vice
A defect in the temper or behaviour of a horse, such as to make the animal dangerous, to injure its health, or to diminish its usefulness.
Vice
(UK) vise
Vice
A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
Vice
(architecture) A winding or spiral staircase.
Vice
(obsolete) A grip or grasp.
Vice
One who acts in place of a superior.
Vice
Alternative spelling of vise
Vice
In place of; subordinate to; designating a person below another in rank
Vice president
Vice admiral
Vice
(dated) instead of, in place of, versus (sense 2)
Vice
A defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection; as, the vices of a political constitution; the vices of a horse.
Withouten vice of syllable or letter.
Mark the vice of the procedure.
Vice
The buffoon of the old English moralities, or moral dramas, having the name sometimes of one vice, sometimes of another, or of Vice itself; - called also Iniquity.
How like you the Vice in the play? . . . I would not give a rush for a Vice that has not a wooden dagger to snap at everybody.
Vice
A kind of instrument for holding work, as in filing. Same as Vise.
Vice
A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
Vice
A gripe or grasp.
Vice
To hold or squeeze with a vice, or as if with a vice.
The coachman's hand was viced between his upper and lower thigh.
Vice
In the place of; in the stead; as, A. B. was appointed postmaster vice C. D. resigned.
Vice
Denoting one who in certain cases may assume the office or duties of a superior; designating an officer or an office that is second in rank or authority; as, vice president; vice agent; vice consul, etc.
Vice
Moral weakness
Vice
A specific form of evildoing;
Vice offends the moral standards of the community
Common Curiosities
How do you maintain a vise?
Maintain a vise by regularly cleaning and lubricating it to ensure it functions properly.
Are all vices illegal?
Not all vices are illegal; some, like overeating, are socially frowned upon but not subject to legal penalties.
What is a vise used for?
A vise is used to securely hold objects in place, facilitating various types of manual work.
What does vice mean?
Vice refers to immoral or unethical behavior that is generally disapproved of by society.
How can vice affect a community?
Vice can lead to social issues like crime and health problems, affecting community well-being.
Can vice be considered a crime?
Some vices, like drug abuse, can constitute criminal activities depending on the law.
Is a vise expensive?
The cost of a vise can vary based on size and quality, ranging from affordable to quite expensive.
Who needs a vise?
Anyone engaged in precision work such as carpentry, metalworking, or crafting may need a vise.
Is it possible to recover from a vice?
Many people recover from vices through support, therapy, and personal commitment.
What materials are vises made from?
Vises are typically made from metals such as steel or iron for durability and strength.
What are common examples of vice?
Common vices include gambling, alcohol abuse, and illicit drug use.
Can vice be a personal choice?
While personal choices can lead to vice, societal norms and laws also influence its acceptability.
Do all workshops use vises?
Most workshops where precision and stability are required will use vises, though specifics may vary.
How do societies deal with vice?
Societies address vice through laws, education, and rehabilitation programs.
What are the consequences of ignoring vice in society?
Ignoring vice can lead to increased crime, health issues, and deterioration of social fabric.
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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.
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.