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.

Languish vs Afflict - What's the difference?

languish | afflict |

In lang=en terms the difference between languish and afflict

is that languish is to be neglected; to make little progress, be unsuccessful while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between languish and afflict

is that languish is (obsolete) to make weak; to weaken, devastate while afflict is (obsolete) to make low or humble.

As verbs the difference between languish and afflict

is that languish is to lose strength and become weak; to be in a state of weakness or sickness while afflict is to cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.

languish

English

Verb

(es)
  • To lose strength and become weak; to be in a state of weakness or sickness.
  • * Bible, 2 Esdras viii. 31
    • We do languish of such diseases.
  • To pine away in longing for something; to have low spirits, especially from lovesickness.
    • He languished without his girlfriend
  • To live in miserable or disheartening conditions.
    • He languished in prison for years
  • To be neglected; to make little progress, be unsuccessful.
    • The case languished for years before coming to trial.
  • (obsolete) To make weak; to weaken, devastate.
  • * 1815 , Jane Austen, Emma
    • He is an excellent young man, and will suit Harriet exactly: it will be an "exactly so," as he says himself; but he does sigh and languish , and study for compliments rather more than I could endure as a principal.
    (Tennyson)

    Related terms

    * languid * languor * languorous

    afflict

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To cause (someone) pain, suffering or distress.
  • * 1611 , 1:11–12:
    • Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict' them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they ' afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
  • * 1611 , 23:27:
    • Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • (obsolete) To strike or cast down; to overthrow.
  • * Milton
    • reassembling our afflicted powers
  • (obsolete) To make low or humble.
    • (Spenser)
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error before an afflicted truth.