Pitfall-Pratfall | Commonly Confused Words
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Pitfall vs. Pratfall

Pitfall

/ˈpɪtfɔːl/
A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty.

Examples:

Navigating the world of finance presents many pitfalls.Her career was full of unexpected pitfalls she never saw coming.When writing code, be cautious of common pitfalls.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Pratfall

/ˈprætfɔːl/
A sudden and often embarrassing fall, usually happening in front of others

Examples:

The comedian's pratfall had the whole audience roaring.She took a pratfall but gracefully stood up, laughing.His career took a serious pratfall after the scandal.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • A pitfall refers to a hidden danger or difficulty that is often not immediately obvious.
  • A pratfall, on the other hand, is a fall on the buttocks, often used humorously to describe a physical blunder.
  • Pitfall is typically used in more serious contexts, especially when referring to unforeseen challenges or traps.
  • Pratfall is often used in comedic contexts, especially in relation to slapstick humor or when someone experiences an embarrassing blunder.
  • A pitfall can be metaphorical, while a pratfall is usually literal or physical in nature.
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