parry 🔊
Meaning of parry
To ward off or deflect a weapon, attack, or question skillfully.
Key Difference
Parry specifically implies a skillful deflection or evasion, often in combat or debate, whereas synonyms may not always convey the same finesse.
Example of parry
- The fencer managed to parry every thrust from his opponent with precision.
- She skillfully parried the journalist's probing questions during the interview.
Synonyms
deflect 🔊
Meaning of deflect
To cause something to change direction by interposing something.
Key Difference
Deflect is more general and can apply to physical or non-physical contexts, while parry often implies a quick, skillful action.
Example of deflect
- The politician deflected the criticism by shifting the focus to his achievements.
- The goalie deflected the ball with a swift move of his hand.
block 🔊
Meaning of block
To stop something from moving or progressing.
Key Difference
Block suggests a more forceful or complete stoppage, whereas parry implies a lighter, more skillful redirection.
Example of block
- The defender blocked the striker's shot, preventing a goal.
- She blocked the insult with a sharp retort.
evade 🔊
Meaning of evade
To escape or avoid something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
Key Difference
Evade implies avoiding altogether, while parry involves dealing with the attack or question directly but skillfully.
Example of evade
- The spy evaded capture by blending into the crowd.
- He evaded the question by changing the subject.
counter 🔊
Meaning of counter
To respond to an action with another action, typically in opposition.
Key Difference
Counter involves a direct response or retaliation, while parry is more about deflecting or avoiding.
Example of counter
- The boxer countered his opponent's jab with a swift hook.
- She countered his argument with solid evidence.
dodge 🔊
Meaning of dodge
To avoid something by moving quickly out of the way.
Key Difference
Dodge is more about physical avoidance, while parry can be physical or verbal and involves deflection.
Example of dodge
- The runner dodged the tackle and sprinted toward the end zone.
- He dodged the question by giving a vague answer.
repel 🔊
Meaning of repel
To drive back or resist effectively.
Key Difference
Repel implies a stronger, more forceful resistance, while parry is more about skillful deflection.
Example of repel
- The army repelled the invaders after a long battle.
- She repelled his advances with a firm refusal.
resist 🔊
Meaning of resist
To withstand the action or effect of something.
Key Difference
Resist is a broader term and can imply passive or active opposition, while parry is more active and skillful.
Example of resist
- The material resists water, making it ideal for raincoats.
- He resisted the temptation to respond angrily.
fend off 🔊
Meaning of fend off
To defend oneself against something.
Key Difference
Fend off is similar to parry but can imply a more prolonged or desperate defense.
Example of fend off
- The hiker fended off the wild animal with a stick.
- She fended off the accusations with a well-prepared statement.
avert 🔊
Meaning of avert
To turn away or prevent something undesirable.
Key Difference
Avert often implies preventing something before it happens, while parry deals with it as it occurs.
Example of avert
- The diplomat averted a crisis by negotiating a compromise.
- She averted her gaze to avoid eye contact.
Conclusion
- Parry is best used when describing a skillful deflection or evasion, especially in combat or debate.
- Deflect can be used in broader contexts where something is redirected, not necessarily with skill.
- Block is appropriate when a complete stoppage or forceful resistance is needed.
- Evade is suitable when avoiding something altogether, especially through cleverness.
- Counter works when responding directly to an action or argument.
- Dodge is ideal for quick physical avoidance.
- Repel is best for strong, forceful resistance.
- Resist is a general term for withstanding something.
- Fend off implies a more prolonged or desperate defense.
- Avert is used when preventing something before it happens.