What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
daunting
Example
The amount of work required for this project is daunting. [daunting: adjective]
Example
I find public speaking to be a daunting task. [daunting: noun]
frightening
Example
The horror movie was too frightening for me to watch. [frightening: adjective]
Example
The sound of thunder was so loud and frightening that I hid under the bed. [frightening: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frightening is more commonly used than daunting in everyday language. Frightening is a more intense word that is often used to describe scary or alarming situations, while daunting is a less common word that is used to describe challenging or overwhelming situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between daunting and frightening?
Both daunting and frightening are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, frightening may be considered more informal in certain situations due to its association with horror movies or other popular media.
