Apoplectic and apocalyptic are two words that are close in spelling and pronunciation and are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the words apoplectic and apocalyptic, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Apoplectic means overcome with rage, extremely angry, furious. Apoplectic may also describe something having to do with a stroke, which is also known as apoplexy. The word apoplectic is an adjective, derived from the French word apoplectique, which was in turn derived from the Greek word apoplektikos which means affected by a stroke, crippled.
Apocalyptic describes something that prophesizes the complete destruction of the world. Apocalyptic means catastrophic, momentous in the biblical sense of apocalyptic. The word apocalyptic is an adjective that is based on the word apocalypse. In the Bible, the Apocalypse, or Revelation of St. John, is the last book in the New Testament and is the story of the end of all things. The book is hotly debated as to whether it is to be taken literally. The word apocalyptic is derived from the Greek word apokalyptikos, which means reveal, uncover.
Examples
Corker’s comments, and Trump’s apoplectic response, were the latest in an escalating feud between the two men that exploded earlier this month when Corker said the White House had become “an adult day-care center” and warned that the president was putting the country “on the path to World War III.” (Vanity Fair Magazine)
He must have been apoplectic when he noticed that General Carr, the military officer in uniform standing next to him, did not render the hand salute. (The Idaho Statesman)
BYUtv’s post-apocalyptic series about humans and aliens is a far cry from the Cold War-era “Granite Flats” that captivated audiences with its small town charm and schemes of espionage — but it’s compelling enough that it might just work. (The Deseret News)
Apocalyptic scenes after enormous gas explosion forces screaming locals to run for their lives (The Mirror)