Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Janna4318]

Dear teachers,

When I read the materials science, I saw the "defect" and "flaw".
Are the "defect" and "flaw" the same?
If not, how can I define them respectively?

Best wishes,
Janna

[lotus]

The have the same kind meaning, that something is not normal about the item or situation.

A defect is usually more severe than a flaw.

You can have a flaw in the process, or a flaw in the design, or a flaw in the paint job. These flaws are generally correctable.

You may have a defective nose, deviated septum (crooked nose), which is generally not correctable (without surgery).

Cars that are recalled are generally recalled for defects and not flaws.


--lotus
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[Janna4318]

Thank you for answering my question.