Master confusing words with ease
Perpetrate vs. Perpetuate
Perpetrate
/ˈpɜːpətreɪt/Examples:
The hacker was caught before he could perpetrate the cyber attack.Efforts to perpetrate fraud were thwarted by the vigilant researchers.They conspired to perpetrate a theft at the art gallery.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Perpetuate
/pəˈpetʃueɪt/Examples:
Art can perpetuate cultural narratives through generations.He sought to perpetuate his legacy with charitable works.Rumors can perpetuate misinformation if left unchecked.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- "Perpetrate" and "perpetuate" both start with per-, but their meanings are entirely different.
- Remember that perpetrate is closely associated with crimes or acts that have negative connotations, while perpetuate is often neutral or positive.
- Perpetrate involves an action to do something, often morally wrong, while perpetuate involves maintaining or continuing a situation or idea.
- Think of perpetual motion when you remember perpetuate, as both are about continuation.
- Perpetrate sounds like penetrate, which can help you remember it involves performing an act, often an offense.
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