What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bleak
Example
The abandoned house stood in the middle of a bleak and desolate field. [bleak: adjective]
Example
After the storm, the city streets looked bleak and empty. [bleak: adjective]
desolate
Example
The desolate island was completely uninhabited by humans. [desolate: adjective]
Example
She felt desolate after her friends moved away. [desolate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bleak is more commonly used than desolate in everyday language. Bleak is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while desolate is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bleak and desolate?
Both bleak and desolate are generally considered formal words. However, bleak can also be used in informal contexts, while desolate is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.
