What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dismiss
Example
The teacher dismissed the class early due to the power outage. [dismiss: verb]
Example
The manager dismissed the proposal as unrealistic and impractical. [dismissed: past tense]
fire
Example
The company fired the employee for violating the code of conduct. [fired: verb]
Example
The police officer fired his gun to stop the suspect from escaping. [fired: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fire is more commonly used than dismiss in everyday language, especially in employment or military contexts. Dismiss is less common and mostly used in formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dismiss and fire?
Dismiss is more formal and polite than fire, which is more direct and blunt. Therefore, dismiss is more appropriate in formal or polite contexts, while fire is more suitable in informal or direct contexts.
