What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commiserate
Example
I went to commiserate with my friend after she failed her exam. [commiserate: verb]
Example
We gathered to commiserate with the family after the loss of their loved one. [commiserate: verb]
console
Example
She tried to console her friend who was heartbroken over a breakup. [console: verb]
Example
The mother consoled her child after they fell and hurt themselves. [consoled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Console is more commonly used than commiserate in everyday language. Console is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while commiserate is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commiserate and console?
While commiserate is typically associated with a more formal tone, console is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
