What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abated
Example
The rain abated after a few hours. [abated: past tense]
Example
The medication helped to abate the patient's pain. [abate: verb]
subside
Example
The noise from the construction site subsided after they finished work for the day. [subsided: past tense]
Example
After taking a few deep breaths, her anxiety began to subside. [subside: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subside is more commonly used than abated in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Abated is more often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abated and subside?
Abated is generally considered more formal than subside. It is often used in legal or technical documents, while subside is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
