What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bump
Example
The car hit a bump in the road and the passengers were jolted. [bump: noun]
Example
Be careful not to bump into the table, it's fragile. [bump: verb]
jolt
Example
The train came to a sudden stop, causing everyone to jolt forward. [jolt: verb]
Example
The unexpected news gave her a jolt of excitement. [jolt: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bump is more commonly used than jolt in everyday language. Bump is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while jolt is slightly less common and has a stronger connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bump and jolt?
Both bump and jolt can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bump is generally considered more casual and informal, while jolt can be used in a slightly more formal tone.