What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decimated
Example
The plague decimated the population of the city. [decimated: past tense]
Example
The company's profits were decimated by the economic recession. [decimated: past participle]
devastate
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town, leaving nothing but rubble. [devastated: past tense]
Example
The news of her father's death devastated her emotionally. [devastated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devastate is more commonly used than decimate in everyday language. Devastate is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while decimate is less common and often used in specific contexts such as warfare or disease.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decimated and devastate?
Both decimate and devastate are formal words that are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts. However, devastate may be slightly more informal due to its wider range of usage and emotional connotations.
