What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assuage
Example
She tried to assuage his worries by reassuring him that everything would be fine. [assuage: verb]
Example
The medicine helped to assuage her headache, providing relief. [assuaging: gerund or present participle]
quell
Example
The police were called in to quell the riot and restore order. [quell: verb]
Example
He took deep breaths to quell his anger and regain control. [quelling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assuage is more commonly used than quell in everyday language. Assuage can be applied to various personal situations and emotions, making it a versatile word. On the other hand, quell is less common and tends to be used in more formal or dramatic contexts, particularly when referring to larger-scale events or conflicts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between assuage and quell?
While assuage is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, quell is more formal and dramatic in nature. It is often employed in written or spoken language that requires a stronger and more forceful tone.