What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affray
Example
The police were called to break up an affray outside the bar. [affray: noun]
Example
He was charged with affray after getting into a fight at the concert. [affray: verb]
brawl
Example
The bar erupted into a brawl after a disagreement between two patrons. [brawl: noun]
Example
They were arrested for brawling in the street after leaving the party. [brawling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brawl is more commonly used than affray in everyday language. Brawl is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while affray is less common and is typically used in legal or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affray and brawl?
Affray is a more formal term than brawl. It is often used in legal or official contexts, while brawl is more informal and colloquial and is used in everyday language.
