What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desist
Example
Please desist from making noise in the library. [desist: verb]
Example
I had to desist from eating junk food to improve my health. [desist: verb]
cease
Example
The rain had ceased by the time we arrived. [ceased: past tense]
Example
The company decided to cease production of the product due to low demand. [cease: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cease is more commonly used than desist in everyday language. Cease is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while desist is less common and often used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between desist and cease?
Cease is generally considered more formal than desist. While cease can be used in both formal and informal contexts, desist is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate a specific action that must be stopped.
