What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
afflicted
Example
The poor child was afflicted with a rare disease. [afflicted: verb]
Example
The afflicted family struggled to make ends meet after losing their home. [afflicted: adjective]
distressed
Example
She was distressed by the news of her friend's illness. [distressed: adjective]
Example
The distressed mother searched frantically for her lost child. [distressed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distressed is more commonly used than afflicted in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe emotional distress or discomfort. Afflicted, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more formal or technical contexts to describe physical or mental conditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between afflicted and distressed?
Afflicted is generally considered more formal than distressed. It is often used in medical or technical contexts and may have a more clinical or objective tone. Distressed, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to convey a range of emotions and tones.
