What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deathly
Example
The thought of public speaking makes me feel deathly afraid. [deathly: adjective]
Example
The forest was deathly quiet, with no sound except for the rustling of leaves. [deathly: adverb]
Example
She had a deathly pallor, which made me worry about her health. [deathly: adjective]
fatal
Example
The car accident was fatal, and the driver did not survive. [fatal: adjective]
Example
The doctor said that the patient's condition was fatal, and there was nothing they could do. [fatal: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to cut corners proved to be fatal, leading to a massive loss of revenue. [fatal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fatal is more commonly used than deathly in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deathly and fatal?
Fatal is more formal than deathly, which is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.
