What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abuse
Example
She suffered years of abuse at the hands of her partner. [abuse: noun]
Example
He abused his authority by taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. [abused: verb]
violence
Example
The violence in the movie was too graphic for some viewers. [violence: noun]
Example
He resorted to violence to solve his problems. [violence: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Violence is more commonly used than abuse in everyday language, especially in news reports and media coverage of crime and conflict. Abuse is often used in the context of personal relationships or power dynamics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abuse and violence?
Both abuse and violence are serious and formal terms that are typically used in professional or legal settings. However, violence may be perceived as more severe and urgent due to its association with physical harm and criminal activity.
