Immunity-Impunity | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Immunity vs. Impunity

Immunity

/ɪˈmjuːnəti/
The body's ability to resist or fight off infection and disease.

Examples:

His diplomatic immunity shielded him from prosecution.Vaccines help the body build immunity to certain diseases.Local plants may boost your immunity to allergens.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Impunity

/ɪmˈpjuːnəti/
Exemption from punishment or freedom from the consequences of an action

Examples:

The hacker breached the system with seeming impunity.With impunity, the politician flouted campaign norms.Critics argue the company avoids regulations with impunity.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Immunity relates to being protected from something like diseases or legal consequences.
  • Impunity refers to exemption from punishment or freedom from the consequences of actions.
  • Both words start with im, but immunity deals with safety or protection, whereas impunity involves a lack of accountability.
  • Immunity often implies a positive protection, while impunity can have negative connotations due to unchecked actions.
  • When thinking of immunity, consider scenarios like vaccinations or diplomatic immunity, whereas impunity might remind you of unchecked power.
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