What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cauchemar
Example
Last night, I had a cauchemar about being chased by a monster. [cauchemar: noun]
Example
She woke up in a cold sweat after experiencing a cauchemar. [cauchemar: adjective]
nightmare
Example
I had a nightmare last night about falling off a cliff. [nightmare: noun]
Example
The horror movie gave me nightmares for weeks. [nightmares: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nightmare is more commonly used than cauchemar in everyday English language. Nightmare is a familiar term that is widely understood, while cauchemar may sound more exotic or unfamiliar to English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cauchemar and nightmare?
While cauchemar may sound more formal due to its foreign origin, nightmare is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts in English.
