What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chivvy
Example
She chivvied her brother to finish his homework before dinner. [chivvy: verb]
Example
The manager chivvied the team to meet the deadline for the project. [chivvying: gerund or present participle]
pester
Example
The children pestered their parents for a puppy every day. [pester: verb]
Example
He was constantly pestered by salespeople trying to sell him products. [pestered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pester is more commonly used than chivvy in everyday language. Pester is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while chivvy is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chivvy and pester?
While chivvy is typically associated with an informal tone, pester can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.