acute, chronic

acute, chronic
 These two are sometimes confused, which is a little odd, as their meanings are sharply opposed. Chronic pertains to lingering conditions, ones that are not easily overcome. Acute refers to those that come to a sudden crisis and require immediate attention. People in the Third World may suffer from a chronic shortage of food. In a bad year, their plight may become acute.

Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors. 2013.

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  • chronic */ — UK [ˈkrɒnɪk] / US [ˈkrɑnɪk] adjective 1) medical a chronic illness or chronic pain is serious and lasts for a long time. A serious illness or pain that lasts only for a short time is described as acute chronic back pain 2) a chronic problem is… …   English dictionary

  • chronic — chron|ic [ kranık ] adjective * 1. ) a chronic illness or pain is serious and lasts for a long time. A serious illness or pain that lasts only for a short time is described as acute: chronic back pain 2. ) a chronic problem is always happening or …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • chronic — Persistent, long lasting (as opposed to acute). Chronic inflammation is generally a response to a persistant antigenic stimulus …   Dictionary of molecular biology

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