What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aghast
Example
She was aghast when she heard the news. [aghast: adjective]
Example
He stood there, aghast at the sight before him. [aghast: adverb]
appalled
Example
I was appalled by the way he treated his employees. [appalled: adjective]
Example
She was appalled at the sight of the animal cruelty. [appalled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Appalled is more commonly used than aghast in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aghast and appalled?
Both aghast and appalled are considered formal words, but appalled may be slightly more formal due to its French origin.
