Macro vs Micro
What’s the difference between them?
Macro
Meaning:
Macro refers to anything that covers a large amount or range, such as a macro view of a situation or a macro perspective. It can also refer to a macro instruction, which is a single instruction that expands to multiple instructions in a computer program.
Examples:
1. A macro lens can be used to capture close-up shots of small objects.
2. The macro environment of a business can influence its strategies and operations.
Micro
Meaning:
Micro refers to something that is extremely small or tiny in size, often on a microscopic level.
Examples:
1. The students were studying the microorganisms under the microscope.
2. The scientist found a micro-chip that was the size of a grain of rice.
3. She used a microfiber cloth to clean her glasses.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Macro
Large-scale
overarching
Micro
Micro
Small-scale
minute
Macro
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Macro", "Micro".
1. The prefix 'macro' means large or global.
2. 'Micro' means small or local.
3. A mnemonic to help you remember the difference is: 'Macro is large, Micro is little.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Macro'?
The word 'Macro' is used to refer to something that is large in scale or scope. It is commonly used to describe the larger system or structure that is made up of many smaller parts. For example, you might say the 'macro-economic' situation in a country to refer to its overall economic system.
When to use the second word 'Micro'?
The word 'Micro' is used to refer to something that is small in scale or scope. It is often used when referring to the individual elements that make up a larger system or structure. For example, you might say the 'micro-economic' situation in a country to refer to the individual economic activities and decisions of people and businesses.
Do the words 'Macro' and 'Micro' have the same pronunciation?
No, the words 'Macro' and 'Micro' have different pronunciations. 'Macro' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound and a 'k' sound at the beginning, while 'Micro' is pronounced with a long 'i' sound and a 'k' sound at the beginning.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Macro' and 'Micro'?
One common mistake is confusing the two words with each other. It is important to remember that 'Macro' is used to refer to something that is large in scale or scope, while 'Micro' is used to refer to something that is small in scale or scope. Another common mistake is using these words in the wrong context. For example, if you are referring to the individual elements of an economic system, it would be incorrect to use the term 'Macro'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The micro system worked hand in hand with the __________ system to create a comprehensive design.
2. The __________ infrastructure had to be updated to make the process more efficient.
3. His __________ goals were to increase productivity and reduce costs.
4. She was able to get a macro view of the situation to identify __________ trends.
5. The __________ scale of the project meant that it had to be done in stages.
6. Learning the __________ and the micro of the project was essential for success.
1. Macro
Explanation: Macro refers to the large-scale features or trends as opposed to the small-scale features. In this sentence, the micro system is being used in conjunction with the macro system, suggesting that the micro system is used to focus on the smaller-scale features while the macro system is used to focus on the larger-scale features.
2. Macro
Explanation: The infrastructure being referred to in this sentence is of a large-scale, as it is being updated in order to make the process more efficient. Therefore, the macro infrastructure is the one being referred to.
3. Macro
Explanation: The goals being discussed in this sentence are of a larger-scale, focusing on productivity and cost-effectiveness. As such, they are macro goals.
4. Micro
Explanation: A macro view is one that looks at the larger picture, so in order to identify micro trends, the macro view must be taken.
5. Macro
Explanation: The scale of the project is larger than that of individual tasks, so the macro scale is the one being referred to.
6. Micro
Explanation: Learning the micro and the macro of a project refers to understanding both the larger-scale and smaller-scale aspects of the project. As such, the word micro is being used to refer to the smaller-scale aspects.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.