hi,
can i interchange these words? they appear to be same,meaning -wise… but i am not sure.
will be glad if i can have some inputs.
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The first is of Latin origin; the second is from Middle or Old English. As such, ‘subvert’ has a sophisticated subtlely about it, while ‘undermine’ is more heavy-handed.
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thanks micawber.
undermine does sound a strong word.but then i should have been more specific…what i meant was,you routinely hear about,"he/she is “undermining” my authority’, but u don’t hear …“subverting” my authority’…wondering if i can interchange them in this context…
Hi Pebbles,
The trouble with English is that there are so many similar words in English coming from different languages that it’s difficult to make a distinction. You are right in suggesting ‘undermine authority’ gives the sense of trying to weaken someone else’s authority. ‘Subvert’ is a much more devious method of doing this and is used with expressions like ‘subvert the course of justice’ whereby somebody tries in an underhand way to stop a legal process following the usual path.
Alan
thanks alan !
the difference is much clearer now.i was a bit confused earlier…but guess these distinctions make the language so much more richer.
thanks again…