The Difference Between Snakes and Serpents?

Question

Are snakes and serpents synonymous? Are both words interchangable?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Yes, although 'serpent' also suggests 'not small'.

The word 'serpent' is uncommon in modern English.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Serpent suggests something sinister.

Anonymous · Answer

The word serpent is antiquated. It's rare in modern history.

CalifJim · Answer

Monox D. I-FlyAre snakes and serpents synonymous?

Yes, but I always think of 'serpents' as Biblical.

In other words, I don't hear ordinary people use the word 'serpent' in ordinary, everyday conversations. It seems a very old word to me.

Monox D. I-FlyAre both words interchangeable?

Grammar note: 'both' doesn't really fit here. What you wrote says

Is 'snake' interchangeable and is 'serpent' interchangeable?

So the question only asks if each word separately is interchangeable, which is impossible, because a single thing on its own cannot be interchangeable. It can only be interchangeable with something else.

It should be one of these:

Are the words ('snake' and 'serpent') interchangeable?
Is 'snake' interchangeable with 'serpent'?
Is 'serpent' interchangeable with 'snake'?

CJ

The Difference Between Snakes and Serpents?

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