Calamity vs. Affliction: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Calamity refers to a disastrous event causing great harm, while Affliction is a condition of suffering or distress due to adversity.
Key Differences
Calamity often denotes a sudden and large-scale disaster or misfortune, often impacting a large group of people or an entire community. Affliction, on the other hand, can refer to any state of pain, suffering, or distress, and often has a more personal or intimate connotation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Calamity is typically associated with catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, or financial crashes. It brings to mind situations that result in significant devastation or loss. Affliction encompasses a broader range of experiences, which could include personal health issues, emotional distress, or societal problems.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
A community might rally together in the face of a calamity, seeking to rebuild and recover from a tangible event. An affliction, while it can certainly impact more than one individual, often requires a more personal or internal approach to cope with or overcome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
While both calamity and affliction indicate negative circumstances, their usages and implications vary. Calamity emphasizes the scale and suddenness of an unfortunate event, whereas affliction focuses on the state of suffering or hardship, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A sudden, disastrous event
A condition of pain, distress, or suffering
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Common Associations
Natural disasters, financial crashes
Health issues, emotional distress, societal problems
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Calamity and Affliction Definitions
Calamity
A great misfortune or disaster.
The earthquake was a calamity that affected thousands.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
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Affliction
A challenge or hardship that tests one's endurance.
Facing discrimination is an affliction for many minority groups.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Calamity
A severe and unexpected catastrophe.
The unexpected storm was a calamity for the coastal town.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Affliction
Something that causes distress or hardship.
Poverty is an affliction that affects millions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Calamity
A sudden and impactful negative event.
Losing their primary source of income was a calamity for the family.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Affliction
A state of pain or suffering.
Chronic illness is a cruel affliction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
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Calamity
A grievous affliction.
The famine was a calamity for the whole region.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Affliction
A condition of ongoing discomfort or difficulty.
Depression is an affliction that requires understanding and support.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Calamity
An event causing sudden damage or distress.
The stock market crash was an economic calamity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Affliction
A condition of pain, suffering, or distress
The affliction of arthritis.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Calamity
An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a disaster
A hurricane would be a calamity for this low-lying coastal region.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Affliction
A cause of pain, suffering, or distress
"The mount twists wind and weather to alter them into afflictions as a heartless monarch does laws" (William Least Heat-Moon).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Affliction
The cause of continued pain of body or mind, as sickness, losses, etc.; an instance of grievous distress; a pain or grief.
To repay that money will be a biting affliction.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Calamity
Any great misfortune or cause of misery; - generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evil, either to communities or individuals.
Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Affliction
The state of being afflicted; a state of pain, distress, or grief.
Some virtues are seen only in affliction.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Calamity
A state or time of distress or misfortune; misery.
The deliberations of calamity are rarely wise.
Where'er I came I brought calamity.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Calamity
An event resulting in great loss and misfortune;
The whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
The earthquake was a disaster
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Affliction
A physical or mental malady.
Blindness is an affliction he was born with.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
Can affliction be a calamity?
Yes, an affliction can be considered a calamity if it's sudden and has widespread negative impacts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is a hurricane an example of a calamity?
Yes, a hurricane is an example of a calamity due to its destructive nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can personal loss be considered an affliction?
Yes, personal losses can be afflictions if they result in pain or distress.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Is a disease an affliction?
Yes, diseases are typically considered afflictions as they cause suffering.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Can an affliction be emotional?
Yes, afflictions can be emotional, physical, or spiritual.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can a calamity be man-made?
Yes, events like financial crashes or wars can be man-made calamities.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Are all calamities negative?
By definition, calamities are negative as they cause harm or distress.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Are calamities always unexpected?
While many calamities are unexpected, some, like predictable weather events, can be anticipated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What is a calamity?
A calamity is a sudden, disastrous event causing significant harm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How can communities cope with calamities?
Communities often rally together, seeking resources, support, and rebuilding efforts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can someone be afflicted without a tangible reason?
Yes, afflictions like emotional distress might not have a tangible cause.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Which word implies a larger scale, calamity or affliction?
Calamity often implies a larger scale.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can an affliction be temporary?
Yes, afflictions can be temporary or chronic.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Can someone have multiple afflictions?
Yes, individuals can experience multiple afflictions simultaneously.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Can a calamity lead to an affliction?
Yes, for instance, a natural disaster (calamity) can lead to trauma or health issues (afflictions).
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Are afflictions always evident?
No, some afflictions, especially emotional or mental ones, might not be visibly evident.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is calamity a synonym for tragedy?
While they have similar meanings, tragedy often has a connotation of sorrow, while calamity emphasizes disaster.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How can individuals cope with affliction?
Coping mechanisms vary but may include seeking medical help, therapy, community support, or spiritual guidance.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can a personal problem be labeled an affliction?
Yes, if the personal problem causes significant distress or hardship.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can calamities be prevented?
Some calamities, especially natural ones, can't be prevented, but their impact can be mitigated through preparedness and planning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
