What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dread
Example
I dread going to the dentist because it always hurts. [dread: verb]
Example
The thought of public speaking fills me with dread. [dread: noun]
fear
Example
I fear for my safety when walking alone at night. [fear: verb]
Example
The fear of failure can be paralyzing. [fear: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fear is a more common word than dread in everyday language. Fear is used in a wide range of contexts, from personal safety to phobias and anxiety disorders. Dread is less commonly used and is often reserved for more specific situations where there is a sense of inevitability or foreboding.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dread and fear?
Both dread and fear can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, dread may be perceived as slightly more formal or literary due to its less frequent use in everyday conversation.
