Key Difference – Prosperity vs Wealth
Although the words prosperity and wealth are used as synonyms since both speak of riches, there is a difference between the two words prosperity and wealth. The key difference between prosperity and wealth is that the word prosperity is used to refer to a state of success, material gain, happiness and also good health. This highlights that prosperity can be used in various situations to denote different things. On the other hand, the word wealth is mostly used when speaking of material gain only.
What is Prosperity?
The word prosperity can be defined as a state of success as well as financial prospects. This word generates the idea that a prosperous person is not merely rich in a financial sense but also is successful. Here it is important to highlight that the mere accumulation of a lot of money cannot make a person prosperous. For that he needs to be successful as well. In this sense, the word has two meanings. Firstly it can mean that the person is happy, successful and is in good health. Secondly it can mean good fortune or financial stability. Especially when referring to the context of a country, prosperity can be used to denote economic growth and high employment.
The new king launched a number of projects to increase the prosperity of the country.
He was basking in his prosperity.
After years and years of hard work, finally an era of prosperity has dawned on them.
The word ‘prosper‘ is the verb of prosperity. This refers to the action or process of gaining prosperity.
Under the new agricultural schemes, the region began to prosper.
He was confident that the business would prosper very soon.
What is Wealth?
Wealth refers to a large amount of money or valuable possession. A key difference between wealth and prosperity is that while the word prosperity captures much more than material gain, the word wealth is confined to material gain only. The word wealth can be used when we speak of a large quantity of money, property and other riches as well.
When we say ‘He is a wealthy man’, it implies that the person has a large quantity of material gain. This can be either money, property or other riches. However, this does not denote that the person is prosperous. Here are some more examples.
After the death of his grandfather, he became the owner of an immense wealth.
They have always been known for their wealth.
The Mortons are a wealthy family.
They were amazed at the discovery of such wealth.
Also, the word wealth can be used when we speak of a large amount or abundance as well.
The wealth of his knowledge astounded me.
She was speechless at the wealth of presents that she received.
What is the difference between Prosperity and Wealth?
Definitions of Prosperity and Wealth:
Prosperity: Prosperity refers to a state of success as well as financial prospects.
Wealth: Wealth refers to a large amount of money or valuable possession.
Characteristics of Prosperity and Wealth:
Material gain:
Prosperity: Prosperity can be used to speak of material gain as well as other prospects as well.
Wealth: Wealth is solely used to speak of material gain.
Success:
Prosperity: Prosperity can be used to speak of success.
Wealth: Wealth cannot be used to speak of success.
Happiness:
Prosperity: Prosperity can be used to speak of happiness.
Wealth: Wealth cannot be used to speak of happiness.
Health:
Prosperity: Prosperity can be used to speak of health.
Wealth: Wealth cannot be used to speak of health.
Image Courtesy:
1. Solok West Sumatra paddy fields By Sakurai Midori (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. “Hundred dollar bill 03” by Revisorweb – Own work. [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons
