What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arrant
Example
He is an arrant liar, always making up stories. [arrant: adjective]
Example
Her arrant disregard for others' feelings is appalling. [arrant: adjective]
sheer
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was sheer beauty. [sheer: adjective]
Example
I was amazed by the sheer number of people at the concert. [sheer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sheer is more commonly used than arrant in everyday language. Sheer is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe something impressive or absolute. Arrant, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific situations to convey a negative or extreme meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between arrant and sheer?
Both arrant and sheer can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, arrant may be perceived as more informal due to its negative connotation, while sheer can be used in a wider range of formality levels.