What is the Difference Between Revenge and Avenge?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between "revenge" and "avenge" lies in their meanings and the context in which they are used.

  • Avenge: This term is a verb that means "to take vengeance for" or "to take vengeance on behalf of" someone else. It is focused on seeking justice and is often used when someone is trying to right a wrong or make up for a harm that has been done to someone else. For example, "Her father avenged her death by working to have the man arrested, tried, and convicted".
  • Revenge: This term can be used as both a noun and a verb, but it is generally more personal and focused on retaliation by inflicting harm. It is often associated with anger or malice and is less concerned with justice. For example, "He took revenge by killing the man's wife".

In summary, the main difference between "revenge" and "avenge" is that "avenge" is about seeking justice on behalf of someone else, while "revenge" is more about inflicting harm for personal satisfaction.

Comparative Table: Revenge vs Avenge

The terms "revenge" and "avenge" both involve the act of seeking retaliation for a wrong or injury, but they differ in their focus and intentions. Here is a table comparing the two:

Revenge Avenge
Revenge is more personal and focuses on inflicting harm on someone for a wrong done to oneself or another. Avenge involves taking vengeance for or on behalf of someone else, with a greater emphasis on seeing justice done.
Revenge is typically less concerned with justice and more about retaliation. Avenge often involves the idea of seeing justice done, such as punishing a wrong.
Revenge can be used as a noun or a verb. Avenge is primarily used as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object to complete its meaning.

For example, in a story, a father might avenge his daughter's death by working to have the man responsible arrested, tried, and convicted. On the other hand, her boyfriend might seek revenge by killing the man's wife. While both actions involve retaliation, the father's actions are more focused on justice, whereas the boyfriend's actions are more personal and retaliatory.