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Sasha
Professional TeacherWhat is the difference between a shootout and a gunfight?
Hello everybody!
Could you please give an answer to several questions?
1) What is the difference between a "shootout" and a "gunfight?"
2) Which word should be used to describe this scene from the Face Off movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9z8Oj3bAy0&t=228s (it's written a shootout but perhaps it's better to say gunfight, why?)
3) What is the correct spelling of "shootout?" Does the meaning change if I spell it with a dash - "shoot-out"
Thank you very much!
May 9, 2017 2:56 PM
Answers · 7
2
1. Refer to what Jerry said. Though similar, they are not exact synonyms.
2. The word to describe the scene is 'shootout'. A gunfight is much more focused and controlled, even possibly including strategy. The scene in this movie is to just shoot until nothing moves. Therefore, 'shootout'.
3. 'Shootout' without a hyphen. There is no change of meaning if you add a hyphen; it's just incorrect.
May 9, 2017
1
A shootout is always a gunfight but a gunfight is not always a shootout. I refer you to dictionary.com. No reason for me to re-type what they say.
May 9, 2017
1
Those words are very nearly synonyms. I might use either for that scene.
May 9, 2017
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Sasha
Language Skills
English, French, Russian, Ukrainian
Learning Language
English, French, Russian, Ukrainian
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