Master confusing words with ease
Blackout vs. Brownout
Blackout
/ˈblækaʊt/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/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 synonymsAntonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- A blackout is a total loss of electrical power in an area, meaning no electricity is available at all.
- A brownout, on the other hand, is a reduction in or restriction on the availability of electrical power, often characterized by dimmer lights.
- Blackouts can last from minutes to days depending on the situation, while brownouts are usually temporary, lasting for a shorter period.
- The term blackout can also refer to a temporary loss of consciousness, separate from electricity use.
- Remember that brown in brownout indicates a dimmer situation, implying partial rather than complete loss.
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