What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
browbeating
Example
The boss was browbeating his employees to work overtime. [browbeating: verb]
Example
She felt browbeaten by her classmates, who constantly mocked and belittled her. [browbeaten: past participle]
intimidate
Example
The aggressive dog's barking intimidated the mailman. [intimidated: past tense]
Example
He tried to intimidate his opponent with his strong physique and fierce stare. [intimidate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intimidate is more commonly used than browbeating in everyday language. Intimidate is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while browbeating is less common and carries a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between browbeating and intimidate?
Both browbeating and intimidate are generally considered formal words. However, intimidate can also be used in informal contexts, while browbeating is more commonly associated with aggressive or abusive behavior and is therefore less suitable for formal situations.