Are the words "Fault" and "Break" similar, contradictory, or not related?

The words "Fault" and "Break" can be considered similar because both terms can imply a sense of malfunction or failure in a system. When something is described as having a "fault," it indicates that there is an issue preventing it from functioning correctly, which aligns with the concept of a "break," where something is damaged or has stopped working as intended. Both terms evoke an understanding of failure or a defect in something that should otherwise operate smoothly.

Moreover, in specific contexts, such as technology or machinery, a fault can lead to a break; hence, they carry an overlapping meaning. Although the nuance of each word may differ—where "fault" often refers to a problem existing within mechanics or character, and "break" refers to the physical state of being broken—considering their implications regarding malfunction makes them similar in essence.