What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engulfing
Example
The flames were engulfing the entire building. [engulfing: verb]
Example
The city was engulfed by a massive flood. [engulfed: past tense]
devour
Example
He devoured the pizza in just a few bites. [devoured: past tense]
Example
She devoured the book in one sitting. [devoured: past tense]
Example
The fire devoured the entire forest. [devoured: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devour is more commonly used than engulfing in everyday language. Devour is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engulfing is less common and often associated with negative events or emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engulfing and devour?
Both engulfing and devour are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, devour may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.