Drunk vs. Drunkard — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Drunk" refers to the state of being intoxicated, while "drunkard" describes a person habitually engaged in heavy drinking.
Difference Between Drunk and Drunkard
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Drunk" is an adjective or a past participle that describes the state of intoxication from alcohol, implying temporary impairment. On the other hand, "drunkard" is a noun referring to someone who frequently drinks excessive amounts of alcohol, suggesting a habitual behavior.
When someone is drunk, they exhibit temporary symptoms like slurred speech, impaired coordination, and altered mental state due to alcohol consumption. Whereas a drunkard is a person who often finds themselves in such a state, indicating a chronic issue with alcohol.
Society might view a person who gets drunk occasionally, such as at a party, as engaging in social or recreational behavior. In contrast, a drunkard is typically viewed negatively, as this term connotes dependency and a lack of control over drinking habits.
Legal and medical frameworks address being drunk in various ways, such as with laws against drunk driving, highlighting the risks and responsibilities associated with this state. Conversely, being a drunkard may involve long-term medical interventions and social rehabilitation due to the habitual nature of the condition.
Getting drunk can be an isolated incident without long-term implications for most individuals. Conversely, a drunkard might struggle with various social, health, and legal problems due to ongoing excessive drinking.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Being intoxicated or impaired by alcohol
A person who is habitually intoxicated
Usage
Adjective or past participle
Noun
Implication
Temporary state
Chronic behavior
Societal Perception
Often seen as temporary lapse or social act
Generally viewed negatively; implies addiction
Legal/Medical Concerns
Immediate safety and legal issues
Long-term health issues, potential addiction
Compare with Definitions
Drunk
In a state of alcohol-induced euphoria or stupor.
They sang loudly, feeling drunk and carefree.
Drunkard
Viewed negatively due to excessive drinking habits.
The term drunkard carries a stigma that can be harsh and judgmental.
Drunk
Legally impaired to drive or operate machinery.
He was arrested for being drunk behind the wheel.
Drunkard
A person who frequently gets drunk.
The old drunkard at the bar was a familiar sight.
Drunk
Temporarily experiencing altered mental states from alcohol.
She apologized the next day for things she said while drunk.
Drunkard
Often considered a habitual drinker or alcoholic.
He was known in the village as a harmless drunkard.
Drunk
Affected by alcohol to the point of losing control over physical functions.
He stumbled into the room, obviously drunk.
Drunkard
Associated with chronic issues related to alcohol abuse.
As a drunkard, he faced many health problems.
Drunk
Intoxicated by alcohol.
She was clearly drunk after the party.
Drunkard
Someone with a possible dependence on alcohol.
The family tried to help him see that he was becoming a drunkard.
Drunk
Past participle of drink.
Drunkard
One who is habitually drunk.
Drunk
Intoxicated with alcoholic liquor to the point of impairment of physical and mental faculties.
Drunkard
(derogatory) A person who is habitually drunk.
Drunk
Caused or influenced by intoxication.
Drunkard
One who habitually drinks strong liquors immoderately; one whose habit it is to get drunk; a toper; a sot.
The drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty.
Drunk
Overcome by strong feeling or emotion
Drunk with power.
Drunkard
A chronic drinker
Drunk
A drunkard.
Drunk
A bout of drinking.
Drunk
As a result of excessive alcohol consumption, usually by drinking alcoholic beverages.
Drunk
Or frequently in a state of intoxication.
Drunk
(usually followed by with or on) elated or emboldened.
Drunk with power, he immediately ordered a management reshuffle.
Drunk
Or saturated with moisture or liquid.
Drunk
One who is intoxicated with alcohol.
Drunk
A habitual drinker, especially one who is frequently intoxicated.
Drunk
A drinking-bout; a period of drunkenness.
Drunk
A drunken state.
Drunk
Inflection of drink
Drunk
(Southern US) drink
Drunk
Intoxicated with, or as with, strong drink; inebriated; drunken; - never used attributively, but always predicatively; as, the man is drunk (not, a drunk man).
Be not drunk with wine, where in is excess.
Drunk with recent prosperity.
Drunk
Drenched or saturated with moisture or liquid.
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood.
Drunk
A drunken condition; a spree.
Drunk
A chronic drinker
Drunk
Someone who is intoxicated
Drunk
Stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol);
A noisy crowd of intoxicated sailors
Helplessly inebriated
Drunk
As if under the influence of alcohol;
Felt intoxicated by her success
Drunk with excitement
Common Curiosities
Are drunkards always drunk?
Not necessarily, but they are prone to frequent bouts of heavy drinking.
Can a drunk person drive legally?
No, driving while drunk is illegal and considered very dangerous.
Does being drunk alter your emotions?
Yes, it can amplify or change emotions, leading to unpredictable behavior.
How can you help a drunkard?
Supporting them in seeking professional help for alcohol dependency is crucial.
Is "drunkard" a medically accepted term?
It is more colloquial; the medical community prefers terms like "alcohol use disorder."
What does being drunk feel like?
It typically includes impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and altered behavior.
How does society view drunkards?
Generally negatively, as it implies a lack of self-control and habitual excess.
What are the dangers of being frequently drunk?
It includes health risks like liver disease and increased accident risk.
Can anyone become a drunkard?
While anyone can develop alcohol dependency, genetic and environmental factors play a role.
How can one recover from being a drunkard?
Recovery can involve therapy, medication, and support groups like AA.
What legal consequences can a drunkard face?
They might face charges related to public intoxication or DUI among other legal issues.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
