Whats the difference between “endemic” and “epidemic”?
(V. V. Ramana Rao, Vishakapatnam) A disease which is endemic is always present in a particular region. It’s common among the people who live there. *I am told that the disease is endemic among sheep and cattle in the tropics. The word can also be used figuratively. When you refer to a problem as being endemic, what you are implying is that it is a common problem, which cannot be dealt with easily. *Racism is endemic in many cities in America. *Discrimination against women is endemic in our country. An “epidemic” is a disease, which spreads quickly across a country/state and affects a large number of people. It is an outbreak. *The doctor warned me to be careful as there was a flu epidemic sweeping across the state. If an activity that you don’t approve of is seen to be increasing rapidly, then you can refer to it as being an “epidemic”. *The Principal said that cheating in exams had reached “epidemic proportions”. ***** ***** ***** “I love women. They’re the best thing ever created. If
