English Language & Usage Asked by user151486 on July 20, 2021
Could you, please, explain the difference between the words ‘anger’ and ‘wrath’?
Merriam & Webster says
anger
transitive verb
to make angry: he was angered by the decision
intransitive verb
to become angrywrath
1. strong vengeful anger or indignation
2. retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
It seems to me that the latter has rather positive aspect than negative.
The American Heritage Dictionary provides a good definition of wrath that aligns well with some of the comments above:
- Forceful, often vindictive anger.
Example:
He feared the wrath of his employer.
Wrath can also mean:
- Punishment or vengeance as a manifestation of anger.
Example:
He decided to risk the wrath of the authorities and go ahead with the plan.
In a religious context, wrath can also have a more specific meaning of divine retribution for wrongdoing or sin.
Example:
You broke the divine law by murdering your brother and must suffer the wrath of the Almighty.
Some sources note that wrath can imply righteous anger (similar to the above):
righteous indignation and condemnation especially of a deity or sovereign
(Webster's Unabridged)
It can also be used humorously in certain contexts:
wrath: extreme anger (chiefly used for humorous or rhetorical effect)
Correct answer by A.P. on July 20, 2021
The old word wrath is a literary variant for extreme anger. The normal word in spoken language is anger or, if stronger, fury. oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/wrath?q=wrath
Answered by rogermue on July 20, 2021
Anger (according to Websters) is "a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism".
Wrath is "strong vengeful anger or indignation" or "retributory punishment for an offence or crime: divine chastisement".
So, wrath has connotations of power and control whereas anger doesn't.
Answered by Brian Towers on July 20, 2021
The interesting difference is, wrath involves action. Usually action with an energy of violence, vengeance or punishment. Anger is often expected, understandable, even if frightening, anger is normally a result of an activating event. Once it escalates from feeling to action, anger becomes wrath.
Answered by user406462 on July 20, 2021
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