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
The two men were arrested for affray after getting into a fight at the football game. [affray: verb]
melee
Example
The nightclub turned into a melee after a group of people started fighting. [melee: noun]
Example
The soldiers engaged in a melee as they tried to take control of the building. [melee: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melee is more commonly used than affray in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Affray is a less common term and is typically used in more formal settings such as legal documents or news reports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affray and melee?
Affray is a more formal term than melee and is often used in legal contexts. Melee is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
