What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
besiege
Example
The enemy forces decided to besiege the castle, cutting off all supply routes. [besiege: verb]
Example
After winning the lottery, she was besieged by requests for money from friends and family. [besieged: past tense]
surround
Example
The garden was surrounded by a beautiful white picket fence. [surrounded: past tense]
Example
The children surrounded their teacher, eager to hear a story. [surround: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surround is more commonly used than besiege in everyday language. Surround is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while besiege is less common and is primarily used in specific military or figurative situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between besiege and surround?
While besiege is associated with a more formal and intense tone, surround is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.