What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defying
Example
The protesters were defying the government's orders to disperse. [defying: verb]
Example
She was defying her doctor's orders to rest and continued to work. [defying: gerund or present participle]
confronting
Example
I had to confront my fear of public speaking in order to give the presentation. [confront: verb]
Example
She was confronting her boss about the unfair treatment of her colleagues. [confronting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confronting is more commonly used than defying in everyday language. Confronting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while defying is less common and usually used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defying and confronting?
Both defying and confronting can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but defying may be considered more informal or even confrontational in some situations.
