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 refers to protection, often from diseases or legal action, like a shield.
  • Impunity refers to exemption from punishment or consequences, like getting away with something.
  • Remember that immunity often comes up in medical or legal contexts, while impunity is more about avoiding penalties or repercussions.
  • A key to differentiation is that immunity protects you from something happening to you, while impunity means you dont face consequences for something youve done.
  • Connecting immunity with immune system and impunity with punishment can help reinforce their meanings.
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