What is the difference between climactic and climatic?

Climactic means of a climax/peak, while climatic means of the climate/weather. They look similar but are not interchangeable on the GRE.

Climactic vs Climatic

of a climax/peak

of the climate/weather

climaCtiC has the extra C for Climax (the peak scene). climaTic (missing that C) is just about the weaTher/climate.

Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.

Question 1

In the scene of the trial, the surprise witness delivered testimony that instantly shattered the prosecution's carefully constructed case.

Choose: climactic or climatic

Show answer

Answer: climactic

the scene where testimony "instantly shattered" the case is the peak/climax = climactic; climatic (weather) is unrelated.

Question 2

Rising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns are changes that will force coastal cities to redesign their aging infrastructure.

Choose: climactic or climatic

Show answer

Answer: climatic

"sea levels" and "rainfall patterns" are changes of the climate = climatic; climactic (peak) does not fit.

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