2007-09-02 12:00:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
An obstacle is a problem or challenge.
Adversity is also a problem or challenge too, but indicates an ongoing (chronic) problem. That is what the words "misfortune" and negative "fate" allude to.
Lisa B (the poster below) is not entirely correct with her analogy.
2007-09-02 12:16:05 · answer #1 · answered by acrobatic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly, at least not most of the time. (I am going by how they are used, not just citing to a dictionary definition.)
Let's say you are driving from Oakland to San Francisco. There is a strong wind, you are having trouble handling your truck, and the whole trip is tough as a result. That would be an adversity -- something that presents a difficulty you can overcome if you try hard. Same trip, but the bridge is out. You can't get across the Bay. That's an obstacle. I don't think most people would call the first example an obstacle and the second example an adversity.
Still, the words can be used as if they had the same meaning, but because "adversity" suggests something that happens over time, it would be replaced by "obstacles" most of the time: He faced a lot of adversity in his life / He faced many obstacles in his life.
Hope that helps!
2007-09-02 19:17:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Adversity is more general, and may include various obstacles. Obstacle is a specific problem that is blocking you in your life.
2007-09-02 19:14:53 · answer #3 · answered by Insanity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not really.
ad·ver·si·ty
–noun, plural -ties for 2.
1. adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress: A friend will show his or her true colors in times of adversity.
2. an adverse or unfortunate event or circumstance: You will meet many adversities in life.
ob·sta·cle
–noun
something that obstructs or hinders progress.
2007-09-02 19:12:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋