What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cramped
Example
The hotel room was so cramped that we could barely move around. [cramped: adjective]
Example
After sitting in the car for hours, my legs felt cramped and sore. [cramped: adjective]
confined
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day. [confined: verb]
Example
The conference room was so small and confined that it was difficult to breathe. [confined: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cramped is more commonly used than confined in everyday language. Cramped is often used to describe physical spaces, such as rooms or vehicles, while confined is more versatile and can be used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cramped and confined?
Both cramped and confined are relatively informal words, but confined may be slightly more formal due to its versatility and ability to be used in a wider range of contexts.
