vs.

Accomplish vs. Complete

What's the Difference?

Accomplish and complete are both verbs that refer to finishing a task or achieving a goal. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Accomplish often implies overcoming obstacles or challenges in order to achieve something, while complete simply means finishing a task or reaching a goal without necessarily facing any significant obstacles. In other words, accomplishing something may require more effort or skill than simply completing it.

Comparison

Accomplish
Photo by Traworld Official on Unsplash
AttributeAccomplishComplete
Definitionto achieve a goal or task successfullyto finish something entirely or thoroughly
Intensitycan be used for smaller tasks or goalsoften used for larger or more significant tasks
Durationcan be a short-term or long-term processusually implies a definitive end point
Scopefocuses on achieving specific objectivesencompasses all necessary tasks or components
Implicationimplies successful completion of a task or goalimplies thoroughness and entirety in finishing something
Complete
Photo by Asif Ali on Unsplash

Further Detail

Definition

Accomplish and complete are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Accomplish means to successfully achieve a goal or task, while complete means to finish something in its entirety. When you accomplish something, you have successfully completed a specific task or objective. On the other hand, when you complete something, you have finished it entirely without necessarily achieving a specific goal.

Usage

Accomplish is typically used when referring to achieving a specific goal or task. For example, you might say, "I accomplished my goal of running a marathon." On the other hand, complete is used when referring to finishing something in its entirety. For example, you might say, "I completed the entire project ahead of schedule." Both words are used to indicate that something has been done, but accomplish implies success in achieving a goal, while complete simply means finishing something.

Implications

When you accomplish something, it often implies that you have overcome obstacles or challenges to achieve a specific goal. It carries a sense of success and achievement. On the other hand, when you complete something, it simply means that you have finished it without necessarily achieving a specific goal. Completing a task or project may not always carry the same sense of accomplishment as achieving a specific goal.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between accomplish and complete:

  • I accomplished my goal of losing 10 pounds.
  • I completed the entire book in one sitting.
  • She accomplished her dream of starting her own business.
  • He completed the marathon, but did not achieve his goal time.

Similarities

While accomplish and complete have distinct meanings, they also share some similarities. Both words indicate that something has been done or finished. They both imply a sense of closure or finality. Whether you accomplish a goal or complete a task, both words convey the idea that something has been successfully achieved or finished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accomplish and complete are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Accomplish implies success in achieving a specific goal, while complete simply means finishing something in its entirety. While both words indicate that something has been done or finished, accomplish carries a sense of success and achievement, while complete simply implies closure or finality. It is important to use these words correctly to convey the intended meaning in your communication.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.