What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agonized
Example
The athlete was agonized by the pain in his leg. [agonized: adjective]
Example
She agonized over whether to accept the job offer or not. [agonized: verb]
anguished
Example
The mother's anguished cries could be heard throughout the hospital. [anguished: adjective]
Example
He anguished over the loss of his best friend. [anguished: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anguished is less common than agonized in everyday language. Agonized is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while anguished is more specific and often used in more dramatic or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between agonized and anguished?
Both agonized and anguished are formal words that are typically used in serious or emotional contexts. However, anguished may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
