|
|
 #2 (permalink) Thu Apr 01, 2004 20:07 pm The same |
|
|
Hi,
I think you mean 'RUTHLESS' and it means almost the same as relentless.
Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
|
Alan
Co-founder
Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 13887
Location: UK
|
|
| #3 (permalink) Thu May 11, 2006 11:49 am Ruthless and relentless |
|
|
| Hi! I think "ruthless" means getting what you want even if it would mean hurting other people while "relentless" is trying to get what you want in every possible way. Well, I may be wrong so please tell me if I am. Thanks. |
|
Chocolatee
You can meet me at english-test.net
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 70
|
 |
| #4 (permalink) Thu May 11, 2006 12:18 pm Ruthless and relentless |
|
|
Hi chocolatee
I agree with you about "ruthless".
The word "relentless" could refer to something hard or severe that seems to be neverending, such as a "relentless storm".
I would also use these adjectives this way:
a ruthless person
a relentless thing
Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
|
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
|
|
| #5 (permalink) Thu May 11, 2006 13:42 pm Ruthless and relentless |
|
|
Amy's right. If you look in a dictionary, you'll find that ruthless means without pity or compassion, whereas relentless means "oppressively constant" or incessant.
You understood the words correctly, Chocolatee. |
|
Jamie (K)
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 6552
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
|
|
| #6 (permalink) Thu May 11, 2006 13:45 pm Ruthless/relentless |
|
|
Hi,
I agree my answer in 2004! was not complete. Ruthless is more to do with personal qualities and relentless more to with personal/impersonal actions. Both of them suggest pursuing goals or aims without regard to others' feelings or what is going on around.. I am reminded of an awful pun (a play on words) and I hope you'll forgive me for using it. It concerns a young man who was a motorcyclist and he was always drove in a relentless fashion without regard for other drivers. He always had his girlfriend on the pillion seat behind. One day she fell off but he continued in his relentless manner and this time he was also ruthless because of course his girlfriend was called Ruth.
Apologies
Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms |
|
Alan
Co-founder
Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 13887
Location: UK
|
|
| #7 (permalink) Thu May 11, 2006 21:06 pm Ruthless/relentless |
|
|
| Alan wrote: |
One day she fell off but he continued in his relentless manner and this time he was also ruthless because of course his girlfriend was called Ruth.
Apologies |
No apologies necessary, Alan. That was a good one!
Thanks for the laugh. :lol:
Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
|
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
|
|
| #8 (permalink) Fri May 12, 2006 8:08 am Ruthless and relentless |
|
|
| Hi! Thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate and value them. Thanks also for the story. A good laugh is always welcome. :) |
|
Chocolatee
You can meet me at english-test.net
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 70
|
|
|
| Idiom: come undone | Idiom: "stuffed to the gills" |
