Master confusing words with ease
Obsolescent vs. Obsolete
Obsolescent
/ˌɒbsəˈlesənt◂/Examples:
Many fear that manual skills are becoming obsolescent.VCRs are now largely considered obsolescent technology.The company's practices have grown obsolescent over time.
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Obsolete
/ˈɒbsəliːt/Examples:
The technology was rendered obsolete by newer innovations.His thinking is now considered obsolete in modern contexts.She found an obsolete manual that was no longer relevant.
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Ways to tell them apart:
- Obsolescent refers to something that is in the process of becoming outdated, but is not completely gone yet.
- Obsolete describes something that is completely out of date and no longer in use.
- Think of obsolescent as the transition phase between current and obsolete.
- If youre seeing it slowly phased out, its obsolescent, but if you dont see it in use at all, its obsolete.
- Obsolescent is a gradual decline, while obsolete is the final state.
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