What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abscond
Example
The thief absconded with the jewels before anyone noticed. [absconded: past tense]
Example
The employee absconded with company funds and disappeared. [absconded: verb]
flee
Example
The villagers fled their homes when the volcano erupted. [fled: past tense]
Example
She fled the scene of the accident before the police arrived. [fled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flee is more commonly used than abscond in everyday language. Flee is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abscond is less common and is typically used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abscond and flee?
Abscond is typically associated with a formal or legal tone, while flee is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.