Risk vs Threat
Risk and threat are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity between them paying no attention to the difference between the two words. The word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’, and the word threat is used in the sense of ‘warning’, and this is the main difference between the two words. If you look at the meanings of the two words carefully, you will understand that both risk and threat have something negative attached to them. This is said because the chance implied by risk usually is associated with something unpleasant or unwelcome.
What does Risk mean?
The word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance.’ However, this chance is associated with negativity. Observe the two sentences given below:
He is happy to have taken the risk.
She enjoys taking risks in life.
In both the sentences, you can find that the word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he is happy to have taken the chance’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘she enjoys taking chances in life’. As risk is associated with negativity the first sentence has the meaning that there was a possibility of this chance the person took could have gone wrong. He is happy because it worked out well. At the same time, the second sentence has the meaning this person enjoys taking chances in life because these chances could work out well or not. The thrill of not knowing what will happen makes her enjoy taking chances in life. It is interesting to note that the word risk has its adjectival form in the word ‘risky’ as in the sentence given below.
It was a risky shot from the batsman.
The word risk is used in the formation of words such as ‘risk-free’ and ‘risk factor’. Sometimes, the word risk is figuratively used in the sense of ‘danger’.
What does Threat mean?
The word threat is used in the sense of ‘warning.’ Observe the two sentences given below:
He received a threat to his life.
Malaria was a real threat to life a century ago.
In both the sentences, the word threat is used in the sense of ‘warning’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he received a warning to his life’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘malaria was a real warning to life a century ago’. On the other hand, the word threat has its adjectival form in the word ‘threatening’ as in the sentence given below.
I received a threatening call last night.
‘I received a threatening call last night.’
What is the difference between Risk and Threat?
• The word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’, and the word threat is used in the sense of ‘warning’, and this is the main difference between the two words.
• The meaning chance in risk is associated with negativity.
• Risky is the adjective of risk.
• Risk is used in expression such as risk-free.
• Sometimes, the word risk is figuratively used in the sense of ‘danger’.
• Threatening is the adjective of threat.
These are the important differences between the two words, namely, risk and threat.
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