What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defies
Example
The athlete's performance defies all expectations. [defies: verb]
Example
The protesters defied the curfew and continued their demonstration. [defied: past tense]
ignore
Example
Don't ignore the warning signs of a heart attack. [ignore: verb]
Example
She ignored his text messages for days. [ignored: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ignore is more commonly used than defies in everyday language. Ignore is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while defies is less common and often used in specific situations where there is a clear challenge or resistance against authority or norms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defies and ignore?
Both defies and ignore can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, defies may be perceived as more formal due to its association with challenging authority or expectations.
