Cheap vs. Creep: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 2, 2023
Cheap refers to something low in price or lacking in quality, while creep is a slow movement, especially without attracting attention.
Key Differences
Cheap is a term often associated with low cost or perceived low quality, suggesting something is available at a price lower than expected. Creep, by contrast, is a verb that describes a slow and steady movement, often quiet or with the intention to go unnoticed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
When discussing value, cheap can imply an item is affordable or of inferior quality, which may not be intended to last long. Creep, however, has nothing to do with value and instead refers to the manner of movement, like a vine that creeps along a wall, growing slowly over time.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
In the context of purchasing, cheap items may be sought after for their cost-effectiveness, but they can also carry a negative connotation, suggesting a compromise in quality or durability. Creep is unrelated to purchasing and would not be used in this context, as it instead might describe the gradual progression of something, such as darkness creeping across the sky at dusk.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Cheap can also indicate something is of little worth, like saying an action is "cheap" if it is petty or small-minded. Creep, divergently, can be used as a noun to label someone who exhibits creepy behavior, which is entirely separate from any notion of cost or value.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
The usage of cheap and creep in common speech also highlights their differences; "cheap" can be used to describe deals or discounts, as in "cheap tickets," whereas "creep" can be used to describe someone's slow, stealthy movements or even gradual changes in situations or habits.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (or noun in informal usage)
Verb (or noun informally)
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Connotation
Can be positive (affordable) or negative (poor quality)
Can be neutral (movement) or negative (unpleasant person)
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Association with Time
Immediate, relating to the cost at the time of purchase
Progressive, relating to the movement or change over time
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
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Cheap and Creep Definitions
Cheap
Of little worth; deserving minimal respect.
His apology felt cheap after everything he had done.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Creep
Move slowly and carefully to avoid being heard or noticed.
He tried to creep past the sleeping dog.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Cheap
Low in price; costing little.
The cheap toys broke the same day they were bought.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Creep
A slow, gradual movement or change.
The shadow of the tree began to creep across the lawn as the sun set.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Cheap
Achieved with little effort; easily obtained.
The victory felt cheap as the opposing team had their worst players on.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
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Creep
Grow along the ground or other surface by extending stems or branches.
Ivy will creep along the walls, covering them entirely over time.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Cheap
Inferior in quality; not worth much.
She felt the materials used in the dress were cheap.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Creep
Behave in a stealthy or predatory manner.
She told her friend the guy at the bar was a creep.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Creep
Experience an unpleasant feeling of fear or disgust.
She felt a creep of unease as she walked down the deserted alley.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
FAQs
Is creep always related to movement?
Mostly, but it can also describe a slow change or someone with unpleasant behavior.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Can cheap have a positive connotation?
Yes, cheap can be positive when it refers to affordability without loss of quality.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
What is an example of creep in a sentence?
"The fog began to creep over the fields early in the morning."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
What's the noun form of cheap?
Informally, it can be "cheapskate" for a person who doesn't like to spend money.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Are cheap items always a good deal?
Not if their quality is so low that they need frequent replacement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Can plants creep?
Yes, when plants grow horizontally across a surface, it's called creeping.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
What does creep mean as a verb?
As a verb, creep means to move slowly and carefully, usually to avoid detection.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
How do you use cheap in a sentence?
You can say "I found a cheap flight to Miami."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Does creep only apply to physical movement?
No, it can also apply to the gradual development of non-physical things, like feelings or daylight.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can creep be used in a non-literal sense?
Yes, it can describe a feeling, like "a sense of dread crept over her."
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
What's the noun form of creep?
It can refer to a creepy person or the act of creeping.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
What's another word for cheap?
Inexpensive is a synonym that doesn't carry the negative connotations of cheap.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Can services be described as cheap?
Yes, services offered at a low cost can be described as cheap.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can you use creep in a positive way?
It can be positive when referring to a desirable gradual process, like "creeping success."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Is "cheap" an absolute term?
No, what is considered cheap can vary greatly depending on context and perspective.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Does cheap always mean bad quality?
Not necessarily; it can just mean low in price, not always poor in quality.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
What does it mean when someone is called a creep?
It means they're behaving in a way that makes others feel uncomfortable.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Is creeping a good strategy in games?
Yes, in games that require stealth, creeping can be an effective strategy.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited 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.
