What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appall
Example
The graphic images in the documentary appalled me. [appalled: verb]
Example
The news of the accident was appalling and left everyone in shock. [appalling: adjective]
terrify
Example
The horror movie terrified me, and I couldn't sleep that night. [terrified: verb]
Example
The loud thunder and lightning terrified the little child. [terrified: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terrify is more commonly used than appall in everyday language. Terrify is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe intense fear, while appall is less common and often used in more specific situations involving moral judgment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appall and terrify?
Both appall and terrify can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, appall may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its association with moral judgment, while terrify can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
