Learn English – What are the differences between “imposing an idea” and “forcing an idea” on others

differenceword-choice

I used it in my previous question here which seems according to the answer and the comment which I received by Shawn Mooney, Imposing an idea on others is different to forcing an idea on others and cannot be replaced with it. I want to know the differences between these two.

Best Answer

The two expressions are fairly close in meaning and can be used interchangeably with the following nuances:

"force an idea on the others" implies that the idea was opposed by the others but through some sort of aggression (verbal or otherwise), the others had to accept the idea.

"impose an idea on the others" gives more of an impression that the others didn't want to go along with idea for whatever reason but acquiesced though they might feel there was either some coersion or at the least, an obligation to accept the idea.