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.

Wither vs Withering - What's the difference?

wither | withering |

As verbs the difference between wither and withering

is that wither is to go against, resist; oppose while withering is present participle of lang=en.

As an adverb wither

is against, in opposition to.

As an adjective withering is

tending to destroy, devastate, overwhelm or cause complete destruction.

As a noun withering is

the act of something that withers.

wither

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl), from (etyl) .

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • (obsolete, or, chiefly in compounds) Against, in opposition to.

    • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) (m), from (etyl) .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To go against, resist; oppose.

    • Etymology 3

    From (etyl) (m), .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To shrivel, droop or dry up, especially from lack of water.
  • To cause to shrivel or dry up.
  • * Bible, Matthew xii. 10
    • There was a man which had his hand withered .
  • * Shakespeare
    • This is man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered .
  • * Dryden
    • now warm in love, now with'ring in the grave
  • (figurative) To lose vigour or power; to languish; to pass away.
  • * Byron
    • names that must not wither
  • * Cowper
    • States thrive or wither as moons wax and wane.
  • To become helpless due to emotion.
  • To make helpless due to emotion.
    • Usage notes
    * Not to be confused with whither .

    Anagrams

    * whiter, writhe

    withering

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Tending to destroy, devastate, overwhelm or cause complete destruction.
    • The D-Day troops came under withering fire .
  • Diminishing rapidly.
    • The playboy seemed oblivious to his withering fortune as he continued in his decadent lifestyle .
  • Tending to make someone feel small; scornful in a mortifying way.
    • Jane's mother in law gave her a withering look .
    He made withering remarks about his adversary .

    Verb

    (head)

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act of something that withers.
  • * 1839 , William Jenkyn, ?James Sherman, An Exposition Upon the Epistle of Jude (page 274)
    • Spiritual witherings and decayings are opposite to the word of God.