What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Graft vs Grift - What's the difference?

graft | grift |

In transitive terms the difference between graft and grift

is that graft is to join (one thing) to another as if by grafting, so as to bring about a close union while grift is to obtain illegally, as by con game.

In intransitive terms the difference between graft and grift

is that graft is to insert scions (grafts) from one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice grafting while grift is to obtain money illegally.

graft

English

(wikipedia graft)

Alternative forms

* graff

Etymology 1

From (etyl) graffe, from (etyl) ; probably akin to English carve. So named from the resemblance of a scion or shoot to a pointed pencil. Compare graphic, grammar.

Noun

  • (label) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in another tree, the stock of which is to support and nourish it. The two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of fruit.
  • (label) A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot.
  • A portion of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • (label) To insert (a graft) in a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in another stock; also, to insert a graft upon.
  • To implant a portion of (living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union.
  • (label) To join (one thing) to another as if by grafting, so as to bring about a close union.
    • 1717 Eloisa to Abelard. And graft my love immortal on thy fame! —
  • To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-yarns.
  • (label) To insert scions (grafts) from one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice grafting.

    • Etymology 2

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (graff) ("canal")
  • The depth of the blade of a digging tool such as a spade or shovel.
  • A narrow spade used in digging drainage trenches.
    • Derived terms
    * grafting tool

    Etymology 3

    Probably from Etymology 2

    Noun

  • (label) Work; labor
  • (label) A job or trade.
  • Effort needed for doing hard work.
  • A criminal's special branch of practice
  • (label) Illicit profit by corrupt means, especially in public life.
  • (label) Corruption in official life.
  • (label) A con job.
  • A cut of the take (money).
  • A bribe, especially on an ongoing basis.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To work
  • To obtain illegal gain from bribery of similar corrupt practices.
    • Derived terms
    * grafter ("grifter")

    References

    * See supplements.

    grift

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • a confidence game or swindle.
    • as in "What's the Grift?" or "What are you trying to pull?"

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To obtain illegally, as by con game.
  • To obtain money illegally.