What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accosted
Example
The stranger accosted me on the street, demanding money. [accosted: verb]
Example
She felt uncomfortable when he accosted her at the party, asking personal questions. [accosted: past tense]
intercepted
Example
The police intercepted the package before it could be delivered to the suspect. [intercepted: verb]
Example
He intercepted the pass and ran for a touchdown. [intercepted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intercepted is more commonly used than accosted in everyday language. Intercepted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accosted is less common and typically used in interpersonal situations to describe negative or hostile interactions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accosted and intercepted?
Both accosted and intercepted are formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, accosted is typically associated with a more negative and aggressive tone, while intercepted can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
