What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anxiety
Example
She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as she prepared for the job interview. [anxiety: noun]
Example
He was anxiously waiting for the test results to come in. [anxiously: adverb]
worry
Example
Don't worry, everything will be fine. [worry: verb]
Example
She had a constant worry in the back of her mind about her financial situation. [worry: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worry is more commonly used than anxiety in everyday language. Worry is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while anxiety is more commonly associated with mental health discussions or clinical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anxiety and worry?
Both anxiety and worry can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, anxiety is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or medical discussions.