Blackout-Brownout | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Blackout vs. Brownout

Blackout

/ˈblækaʊt/
A temporary loss of consciousness or a total power failure

Examples:

The city experienced a blackout during the severe storm.He couldn't recall the events during his alcohol-induced blackout.A sudden blackout plunged the whole theater into darkness.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Brownout

/ˈbraʊnaʊt/
A reduction or drop in the amount of electricity available, often causing dimmed lighting but not a complete loss of power.

Examples:

The city's power plant issued a brownout alert due to maintenance.Brownouts can affect sensitive electronics if not properly managed.The sudden brownout left the office without light mid-presentation.

Synonyms:

This word has no synonyms

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Blackout refers to a complete loss of power, while brownout refers to a partial reduction of power.
  • When you hear black think all out, indicating total darkness or power loss.
  • Brownout contains brown, a mix between light and dark, suggesting a reduction not a complete loss.
  • In a blackout, nothing electrical works; in a brownout, some devices might still function albeit poorly.
  • A blackout might force you to use flashlights, while in a brownout your lights might just dim.
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