What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drunk
Example
He got drunk at the party last night and couldn't remember anything. [drunk: adjective]
Example
She drank so much that she was stumbling around and slurring her words. [drank: past tense verb]
tipsy
Example
After a few glasses of wine, she was feeling tipsy and giggly. [tipsy: adjective]
Example
He was walking a little unsteadily, but he wasn't completely drunk. [drunk: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drunk is a more common word than tipsy and is used in a wider range of contexts. Tipsy is a less severe state of intoxication and is often used in more casual or lighthearted situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drunk and tipsy?
Drunk is generally considered a more formal word than tipsy, which is often used in more informal or social settings.