What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cuff
Example
He rolled up his sleeves, revealing the silver cuff on his shirt. [cuff: noun]
Example
The officer cuffed the suspect and led him to the patrol car. [cuffed: past tense verb]
Example
I gave him a playful cuff on the back of his head for making a silly joke. [cuff: noun]
manacle
Example
The prisoner was forced to wear heavy manacles on his wrists and ankles. [manacles: noun]
Example
The company's financial troubles were a manacle on its growth and success. [manacle: metaphorical noun]
Example
She felt like she was in manacles, unable to escape the toxic relationship. [manacles: metaphorical noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cuff is more commonly used than manacle in everyday language. Cuff has a wider range of contexts, including fashion and law enforcement, while manacle is more associated with historical or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cuff and manacle?
Manacle is a more formal word than cuff. It is often used in legal or historical contexts, while cuff can be used in both formal and informal settings.
