Dam vs. Damp: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Dam is a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level. Damp refers to slight wetness or moisture.
Key Differences
A dam is a physical structure, often large and made of concrete or earth, designed to control water flow in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Damp, in contrast, is an adjective describing things that are slightly wet or moist, often due to exposure to liquid or humidity.
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Nov 28, 2023
Dams serve various purposes, such as water storage, flood prevention, and hydroelectric power generation. Dampness, however, is a condition that can be undesirable, causing issues like mold growth or discomfort in living spaces.
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Nov 28, 2023
Constructing a dam requires significant engineering, resources, and environmental considerations. On the other hand, damp can occur naturally or as a result of environmental conditions like rain, condensation, or inadequate ventilation.
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Nov 28, 2023
While dams are integral to water management and can have substantial ecological and societal impacts, damp is more associated with minor levels of moisture that can affect materials like fabric, walls, or soil.
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Nov 28, 2023
The maintenance of a dam involves regular inspections and repairs to ensure its safety and effectiveness. In contrast, dealing with damp often involves measures like dehumidifying, ventilating, or waterproofing affected areas.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose/Function
Water management, power generation, etc.
Describes a condition of being slightly wet
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Nov 28, 2023
Construction
Large-scale engineering project
Natural occurrence or result of conditions
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Nov 28, 2023
Impact
Significant ecological and societal effects
Affects materials, can cause discomfort
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Nov 28, 2023
Maintenance/Handling
Requires regular inspections and repairs
Involves dehumidifying, ventilating, etc.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Dam and Damp Definitions
Dam
A barrier constructed across a river to control water flow.
The new dam helped prevent flooding in the valley.
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Nov 22, 2023
Dam
A structure for storing or diverting water.
They built a dam to create a reservoir for the town.
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Nov 22, 2023
Dam
A barrier constructed across a waterway to control the flow or raise the level of water.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Dam
A barrier against the passage of liquid or loose material, as a rubber sheet used in dentistry to isolate one or more teeth from the rest of the mouth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Moisture that lies or has condensed on something
“I saw the damp lying on the bare hedges and spare grass” (Charles Dickens).
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A female parent of an animal, especially a domesticated mammal such as a horse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Lowness of spirits; depression
“An angry or sorrowful [countenance] throws a sudden damp upon me” (David Hume).
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
A restraint or check; a discouragement
“The issue of arms was so slow as to throw a great damp upon volunteering” (James Franck Bright).
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A structure placed across a flowing body of water to stop the flow or part of the flow, generally for purposes such as retaining or diverting some of the water or retarding the release of accumulated water to avoid abrupt flooding.
A dam is often an essential source of water to farmers of hilly country.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
The water reservoir resulting from placing such a structure.
Boats may only be used at places set aside for boating on the dam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
(dentistry) A device to prevent a tooth from getting wet during dental work, consisting of a rubber sheet held with a band.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
(Music) To slow or stop the vibrations of (the strings of a keyboard instrument) with a damper.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
In a state between dry and wet; moderately wet; moist.
The lawn was still damp so we decided not to sit down.
The paint is still damp, so please don't touch it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Permitting the possession of alcoholic beverages, but not their sale.}}
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
(India) An obsolete Indian copper coin, equal to a fortieth of a rupee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
(archaic) Dejection or depression; something that spoils a positive emotion (such as enjoyment, satisfaction, expectation or courage) or a desired activity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A female parent; - used of beasts, especially of quadrupeds; sometimes applied in contempt to a human mother.
Our sire and dam, now confined to horses, are a relic of this age (13th century) . . . .Dame is used of a hen; we now make a great difference between dame and dam.
The dam runs lowing up and down,Looking the way her harmless young one went.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
(transitive) To suppress vibrations (mechanical) or oscillations (electrical) by converting energy to heat (or some other form of energy).
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquid; esp., a bank of earth, or wall of any kind, as of masonry or wood, built across a water course, to confine and keep back flowing water.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Moisture; humidity; fog; fogginess; vapor.
Night . . . with black airAccompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Dejection; depression; cloud of the mind.
Even now, while thus I stand blest in thy presence,A secret damp of grief comes o'er my soul.
It must have thrown a damp over your autumn excursion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
To obstruct or restrain the flow of, by a dam; to confine by constructing a dam, as a stream of water; - generally used with in or up.
I'll have the current in this place dammed up.
A weight of earth that dams in the water.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
To shut up; to stop up; to close; to restrain.
The strait pass was dammedWith dead men hurt behind, and cowards.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Being in a state between dry and wet; moderately wet; moist; humid.
O'erspread with a damp sweat and holy fear.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Dejected; depressed; sunk.
All these and more came flocking, but with looksDowncast and damp.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
To render damp; to moisten; to make humid, or moderately wet; to dampen; as, to damp cloth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
To put out, as fire; to depress or deject; to deaden; to cloud; to check or restrain, as action or vigor; to make dull; to weaken; to discourage.
Usury dulls and damps all industries, improvements, and new inventions, wherein money would be stirring if it were not for this slug.
How many a day has been damped and darkened by an angry word!
The failure of his enterprise damped the spirit of the soldiers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
Obstruct with, or as if with, a dam;
Dam the gorges of the Yangtse River
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.
The dam's gates were opened to release excess water.
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Nov 22, 2023
Dam
A construction for hydroelectric power generation.
The hydroelectric dam provided power to the entire region.
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Nov 22, 2023
Damp
Restrain or discourage;
The sudden bad news damped the joyous atmosphere
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Oct 19, 2023
Dam
A barrier to contain the accumulation of water.
The beavers' dam created a small pond in the forest.
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Nov 22, 2023
Damp
Make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible;
Muffle the message
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Slightly wet;
Clothes damp with perspiration
A moist breeze
Eyes moist with tears
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Oct 19, 2023
Damp
Slightly wet, especially in a way that is not pleasant or comfortable.
The basement walls felt damp and cold.
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Nov 22, 2023
Damp
Showing a small amount of moisture.
The morning dew left the grass damp.
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Nov 22, 2023
Damp
Characterized by a lack of dryness.
The damp air made it feel more chilly outside.
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Nov 22, 2023
Damp
Having a slightly wet surface.
His shirt was damp with sweat after the workout.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are all dams made of concrete?
No, dams can be made of various materials, including earth, rock, or concrete.
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Nov 28, 2023
How can dampness be prevented?
Dampness can be prevented with proper ventilation, heating, and waterproofing.
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Nov 28, 2023
What does damp mean?
Damp refers to a state of being slightly wet or moist.
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Nov 28, 2023
What is a dam?
A dam is a large structure built across a water body to control water flow and storage.
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Nov 28, 2023
What is the main purpose of a dam?
Dams are primarily used for water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can dams affect the environment?
Yes, dams can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and water flow.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there environmental benefits to dams?
Dams can create reservoirs and habitats, but they can also disrupt natural environments.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can dampness affect health?
Yes, damp environments can lead to health issues like respiratory problems.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is dampness always visible?
Dampness is not always visible; sometimes it's detected by a musty smell or feel.
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Nov 28, 2023
How are dams maintained?
Dams require regular inspections, maintenance, and sometimes repairs to ensure safety.
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Nov 28, 2023
Do dams help in irrigation?
Yes, dams can provide a steady water supply for irrigation purposes.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can a dam break?
Yes, dam failures can occur, though they are rare with proper design and maintenance.
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Nov 28, 2023
How does dampness affect a house?
Dampness can cause structural damage, peeling paint, and mold growth in houses.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is dampness harmful?
Prolonged dampness can cause mold growth and damage to materials.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is dampness a problem in older buildings?
Older buildings are more susceptible to dampness due to aging materials and construction.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can dampness occur in any climate?
Yes, dampness can occur in various climates, especially in humid or wet conditions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can small dams produce electricity?
Small dams, or micro-hydro installations, can generate electricity for local use.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are damp-proofing treatments effective?
Damp-proofing treatments can be effective in preventing and managing dampness.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can dams be used for recreation?
Yes, reservoirs created by dams are often used for recreational activities like fishing and boating.
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Nov 28, 2023
What are the risks of living near a dam?
Living near a dam can pose risks if the dam fails, though this is relatively rare.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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