What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alarum
Example
The alarum of the fire alarm woke us up in the middle of the night. [alarum: noun]
Example
The sound of the alarum signaled the start of the battle. [alarum: noun]
Example
The news of the impending storm sounded the alarum for the town's residents. [alarum: noun]
alert
Example
Be alert for any suspicious activity in the area. [alert: adjective]
Example
The weather service issued an alert for an incoming storm. [alert: noun]
Example
The security team was quick to alert the authorities of the potential threat. [alert: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alert is more commonly used than alarum in everyday language. Alert is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, from emergency situations to everyday notifications. In contrast, alarum is a less common and more specialized term that is mainly used in historical or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alarum and alert?
Both alarum and alert can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, alarum may be perceived as more formal or archaic due to its historical connotation, while alert is a more neutral and modern term that can be used in various formality levels.
