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Worthless vs Chaff - What's the difference?

worthless | chaff |

As an adjective worthless

is not having worth and use, without value, inconsequential.

As a noun chaff is

the inedible parts of a grain-producing plant.

As a verb chaff is

to use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule; to banter.

worthless

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not having worth and use, without value, inconsequential.
  • Lies are as important as truth, for without lies, the truth is worthless .
    The committee's decision is worthless and not going to be acted upon.
    Don't be a worthless slouch! Go get yourself a job.

    Derived terms

    * worthlessly * worthlessness

    Synonyms

    * useless * miserable * valueless

    Antonyms

    * worthful * worthy * useful * precious * valuable

    chaff

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • The inedible parts of a grain-producing plant.
  • To separate out the chaff , early cultures tossed baskets of grain into the air and let the wind blow away the lighter chaff.
  • * Dryden
  • So take the corn and leave the chaff behind.
  • By extension, any excess or unwanted material, resource, or person; anything worthless.
  • There are plenty of good books on the subject, but take care to separate the wheat from the chaff .
  • * Shakespeare
  • the chaff and ruin of the times
  • Loose material dropped from aircraft specifically to interfere with radar detection.
  • Straw or hay cut up fine for the food of cattle.
  • * Wyatt
  • By adding chaff' to his corn, the horse must take more time to eat it. In this way ' chaff is very useful.
  • Light jesting talk; banter; raillery.
  • Derived terms

    * separate the wheat from the chaff

    See also

    * bran

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule; to banter.
  • To make fun of; to turn into ridicule by addressing in ironical or bantering language; to quiz.