Risk and threat are two terms that are often confused, despite having notable differences. The term risk is generally used to mean ‘chance,’ usually with a negative connotation. On the other hand, the term threat is used to signify a ‘warning.’ Both risk and threat typically have a negative aspect attached to them.
Key Takeaways
- Risk refers to a ‘chance’ with negative implications, while threat refers to a ‘warning.’
- Risk has an adjectival form, ‘risky,’ and can be used in expressions such as ‘risk-free.’
- Threat has an adjectival form, ‘threatening.’
What does Risk mean?
Risk is used to denote a chance, however, this chance is usually connected to negativity. For example, “He is happy to have taken the risk” implies that the individual took a chance that could have resulted in a negative outcome, but it worked out well. In this context, risk is associated with taking chances in life that could either work out well or not.
What does Threat mean?
Threat is used in the sense of a warning. For example, “He received a threat to his life” means that he received a warning about potential danger to his life. Threat has an adjectival form, ‘threatening,’ as in “I received a threatening call last night.”
Difference between Risk and Threat
The main difference between risk and threat is that risk refers to a chance with negative implications, while threat signifies a warning. Risky is the adjective of risk, while threatening is the adjective of threat. Additionally, risk can be used in expressions such as ‘risk-free’ and is sometimes used figuratively to mean ‘danger.’
