What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cower
Example
The dog cowered in the corner when it heard the loud noise. [cowered: past tense]
Example
She cowered behind the couch, afraid of what might happen next. [cower: verb]
flinch
Example
He flinched when the ball hit him in the face. [flinched: past tense]
Example
Don't flinch when I touch your arm, it's just a reflex. [flinch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flinch is more commonly used than cower in everyday language. Flinch is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cower is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cower and flinch?
Both cower and flinch are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, cower may be considered more formal than flinch due to its association with literature and formal writing.
