What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drown
Example
The swimmer almost drowned in the deep end of the pool. [drowned: past tense]
Example
I feel like I'm drowning in work lately. [drowning: present participle]
Example
You need to drown the plants in water to keep them hydrated. [drown: verb]
engulf
Example
The car was engulfed in flames after the accident. [engulfed: past tense]
Example
The city was engulfed by a massive flood last year. [engulfed: past participle]
Example
The building was engulfed by a thick cloud of smoke. [engulfed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engulf is more commonly used than drown in everyday language. Engulf is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while drown is less common and typically used in specific situations related to water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drown and engulf?
Both drown and engulf are formal words, but drown is typically associated with more serious and life-threatening situations, making it more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.
