Perpetrate vs. Perpetuate: What's the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between perpetrate and perpetuate is crucial. To perpetrate is to commit or be responsible for a negative act, typically a crime or deception. On the other hand, to perpetuate means to cause something to continue or last indefinitely, often referring to an idea, tradition, or situation, not necessarily negative.
How do you use the word perpetrate in a sentence?
The word perpetrate is used when referring to carrying out a harmful, illegal, or immoral action. It is often associated with the execution of a crime and can highlight an individual's direct involvement in such activities.
Examples of perpetrate in a sentence
- The authorities are working hard to find those who perpetrated the cyber attack.
- To perpetrate such a scheme requires a cunning and deceptive individual.
- Detectives are collecting evidence to prove who perpetrated the theft.
How do you use the word perpetuate in a sentence?
Use perpetuate when you mean to maintain or extend the duration of something, particularly a belief, custom, or situation. It implies a continuation of what is already established and can be either positive or negative.
Examples of perpetuate in a sentence
- Critics argue that the new policy will perpetuate the economic divide.
- The film has helped to perpetuate the myth that pirates buried their treasure.
- Educators strive to perpetuate the legacy of critical thinking among students.
Perpetrate and perpetuate definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Perpetrate definition:
The act of committing or carrying out a harmful, illegal, or devious act.
Perpetrate parts of speech:
Perpetrate pronunciation:
Perpetrate is pronounced as /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪt/.
Perpetuate definition:
To make something continue indefinitely; to maintain an existing state or situation.
Perpetuate parts of speech:
Perpetuate pronunciation:
Perpetuate is pronounced as /pərˈpetʃueɪt/.
The act of committing or carrying out a harmful, illegal, or devious act.
Perpetrate parts of speech:
- Verb: He was arrested for perpetrating a complex financial fraud.
Perpetrate pronunciation:
Perpetrate is pronounced as /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪt/.
Perpetuate definition:
To make something continue indefinitely; to maintain an existing state or situation.
Perpetuate parts of speech:
- Verb: The institution perpetuates traditional teaching methods.
Perpetuate pronunciation:
Perpetuate is pronounced as /pərˈpetʃueɪt/.
Perpetrate vs. Perpetuate in a nutshell
While both perpetrate and perpetuate may sound similar, their meanings are distinctly different. Perpetrate is associated with committing negative acts such as crimes or frauds. In contrast, perpetuate refers to continuing or sustaining an action, belief, or state of affairs. Understanding the correct context and usage of each term is essential for clear and effective communication.
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