Propel vs. Impel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 13, 2023
Propel refers to drive or push something forward. Impel refers to urge or drive someone to action, often by moral pressure.
Key Differences
"Propel" refers to the act of pushing or driving something forward, often physically, as in propelling a boat with oars. "Impel," however, often involves a psychological or moral force, driving a person to act.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
"Propel" is commonly used in contexts involving physical movement or momentum, like a propeller moving a ship. "Impel" is more about internal motivation or external pressure compelling someone to do something.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
In mechanics, "propel" describes the action of causing movement in machines or objects. In contrast, "impel" is used in situations where a person is driven to act by feelings, beliefs, or moral obligations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
"Propel" often implies a direct, forceful action leading to movement. "Impel" suggests an influence or urge that pushes someone to take a certain action.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
"Propel" can be used in a broad range of physical contexts, from simple hand-driven motion to complex machinery. "Impel" is more nuanced, often associated with psychological, ethical, or emotional motivations.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Physical movement or momentum.
Psychological or moral motivation to act.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Implication
Direct force leading to movement.
Influence or urge leading to action.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Application
Broad in physical contexts.
Specific to internal or external motivations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
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Propel and Impel Definitions
Propel
To push or cause something to move in a particular direction.
He used a paddle to propel the canoe.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To incite or propel someone psychologically.
The need to create impelled him to write daily.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Propel
To drive forward or cause to move.
The wind helped propel the sailboat across the lake.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To drive or urge someone to do something.
A sense of duty impelled him to volunteer.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
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Propel
To motivate or drive someone to a particular action.
Her ambition propelled her to the top of her class.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To motivate or influence someone to act.
Her passion for justice impelled her to become a lawyer.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Propel
To cause to progress or advance.
Innovative ideas propelled the company's success.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To compel or force someone into action.
Financial necessity impelled her to find a second job.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Propel
To impart force to something causing movement.
The engine propels the car forward.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To push or drive forward, especially by internal motivation.
Curiosity impelled him to explore new places.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Impel
To urge to action through moral pressure; drive
I was impelled by events to take a stand.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Propel
To cause to develop or progress
A misunderstanding that propels the story forward.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Propel
(transitive) To provide an impetus for motion or physical action, to cause to move in a certain direction; to drive forward.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Impel
(transitive) To urge a person; to press on; to incite to action or motion via intrinsic motivation.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Propel
To provide an impetus for non-physical change, to make to arrive to a certain situation or result.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Impel
(transitive) To drive forward; to propel an object, to provide an impetus for motion or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Propel
To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force; to move, or cause to move; as, the wind or steam propels ships; balls are propelled by gunpowder.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
Impel
To drive or urge forward or on; to press on; to incite to action or motion in any way.
The surge impelled me on a craggy coast.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 19, 2023
FAQs
Is "propel" used in mechanical contexts?
Yes, it's commonly used to describe mechanical movement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Can "propel" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can metaphorically mean advancing or progressing.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Does "impel" imply a moral obligation?
Often, it can imply moral or ethical reasons for action.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Is "impel" always about serious motivations?
Not always; it can be any strong motivation, serious or not.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Does "propel" suggest a positive movement?
Not necessarily; it's neutral regarding the outcome.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Is "propel" always physical?
Mostly, but it can also imply advancing in non-physical contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
What does "propelled by the wind" mean?
It means being moved forward by the force of the wind.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Does "impel" always involve others?
No, one can be impelled by their own thoughts or feelings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Can "impel" relate to external factors?
Yes, external pressures like duty or necessity can impel action.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Is "impel" a common everyday term?
It's less common and more formal than "propel."
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Is "propel" a technical term?
It's used technically but also in general language.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Can "propel" refer to career advancement?
Yes, it can refer to driving someone forward in their career.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
How does "impel" differ from compel?
"Impel" is more about internal motivation, "compel" is more forceful.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Can "impel" be used in a physical sense?
Rarely; it's primarily psychological or motivational.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Can "impel" be involuntary?
Yes, one can be impelled by factors beyond their control.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Can "propel" have a negative connotation?
In certain contexts, it can imply forceful or aggressive action.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Can "impel" indicate a sudden action?
It usually suggests a build-up rather than suddenness.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Is "propel" related to speed?
It can imply speed but primarily focuses on direction of movement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Does "propel" imply continuous movement?
It can, especially in the context of propulsion systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Is "impel" used in legal language?
Yes, often in the context of what drives a person to act.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 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
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.
