What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
daunting
Example
The prospect of climbing the mountain was daunting. [daunting: adjective]
Example
She found the idea of speaking in front of a large audience daunting. [daunting: gerund or present participle]
scary
Example
The horror movie was too scary for me to watch. [scary: adjective]
Example
She felt scared when she heard strange noises in the dark. [scared: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scary is more commonly used than daunting in everyday language. Scary is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while daunting is less common and often used in specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between daunting and scary?
Both daunting and scary can be used in formal and informal contexts, but daunting is often associated with a more formal tone due to its use in academic or professional settings.