“Extricate” vs. “Extract”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “extricate” and “extract”

  • Extricate often refers to removing something from a difficult or complicated situation, while extract usually involves removing something from a source.
  • Extricate often involves freeing or rescuing something or someone, while extract is usually focused on obtaining a substance or information.
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What is the definition of “extricate” and “extract”?

Extricate
  • To free or remove something or someone from a difficult situation or tight space.
  • Usually involves careful maneuvering or skill.
Extract
  • To remove or take out something, usually through force or using tools.
  • Often used to describe the process of obtaining a substance or information from a source.
  • Can involve extracting a tooth, extracting juice from fruit or extracting data from a computer system.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Extract” is the more popular variant on the web.
Extricate
4,080,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She managed to extricate herself from the difficult situation that she was in.
  2. The firefighters were able to extricate the victim from the burning building.
  3. He had to use all his skills to extricate the car from the ditch.
More popular
Extract
812,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The dentist had to extract the decayed tooth.
  2. The scientist was able to extract the DNA from the blood sample.
  3. She used a special tool to extract the cork from the wine bottle.
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