Master confusing words with ease
Vicious circle vs. Vicious cycle
Vicious circle
/ˈvɪʃəs ˈsɜːrkəl/Examples:
The economy is caught in a vicious circle of inflation and wage hikes.She found herself in a vicious circle of stress leading to poor health.In politics, the scandal led to a vicious circle of blame and denial.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsVicious cycle
/ˈvɪʃəs ˈsaɪ.kəl/Examples:
A lack of sleep created a vicious cycle of fatigue.He found himself in a vicious cycle of debt.Breaking the vicious cycle was her top priority.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsWays to tell them apart:
- Both phrases describe a situation that worsens itself, but one might be preferred in certain contexts.
- Circle emphasizes the circular, repetitive nature of the problem, like going in endless loops without a way out.
- Cycle emphasizes the recurring nature and stages within a repeating process, similar to cycles in nature or psychology.
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