What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispel
Example
The teacher tried to dispel the students' confusion about the assignment. [dispel: verb]
Example
The sun finally came out and dispelled the dark clouds. [dispelled: past tense]
quell
Example
The police were called in to quell the riot that had broken out. [quell: verb]
Example
She took a deep breath to quell her rising anxiety. [quell: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispelling is less common than quelling in everyday language, but it is still a useful word to know for academic or intellectual contexts. Quelling is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispel and quell?
Quelling is generally considered more formal than dispelling, but both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
