What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bearhug
Example
He gave her a bearhug when he saw her after a long time. [bearhug: noun]
Example
The team celebrated their victory with a group bearhug. [bearhug: verb]
hug
Example
She gave her friend a tight hug to console her. [hug: noun]
Example
They hugged each other tightly before saying goodbye. [hugged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hug is more commonly used than bearhug in everyday language. Hug is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Bearhug, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more casual or playful settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bearhug and hug?
While bearhug is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, hug is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.