What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cradle
Example
She cradled the newborn baby in her arms. [cradled: verb]
Example
The vase was cradled carefully in his hands as he carried it across the room. [cradled: past tense]
hold
Example
He held the door open for her as she walked through. [held: verb]
Example
The shelf can hold up to 50 pounds of weight. [hold: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hold is more commonly used than cradle in everyday language due to its versatility and wider range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cradle and hold?
Both cradle and hold can be used in formal and informal contexts, but cradle may be perceived as more formal due to its association with nurturing and caring for something delicate or precious.
