What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agonising
Example
The athlete's injury was agonising and required months of rehabilitation. [agonising: adjective]
Example
She was agonising over whether to accept the job offer or stay in her current position. [agonising: verb]
harrowing
Example
The survivors of the plane crash had a harrowing experience and needed counseling. [harrowing: adjective]
Example
He went through a harrowing ordeal trying to escape from the burning building. [harrowing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harrowing is less common than agonising in everyday language. Agonising is more versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while harrowing is more specific and often used to describe traumatic experiences or events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agonising and harrowing?
Both agonising and harrowing are formal words that are typically used in serious or emotional contexts. However, harrowing may be considered more formal due to its association with traumatic experiences and events.
