What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avalanche
Example
The skiers were caught in an avalanche while they were on the mountain. [avalanche: noun]
Example
The company was hit by an avalanche of customer complaints after the product recall. [avalanche: metaphorical]
torrent
Example
The river turned into a torrent after the heavy rainfall. [torrent: noun]
Example
She unleashed a torrent of angry words at her friend. [torrent: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Torrent is more commonly used than avalanche in everyday language. Torrent has a wider range of applications and can be used metaphorically in different situations, while avalanche is more specific to mountain-related scenarios.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between avalanche and torrent?
Both avalanche and torrent can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, avalanche may be more commonly used in technical or specialized discussions related to mountains and winter sports, while torrent can be used in a broader range of formal and informal settings.
