What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatale
Example
The femme fatale in the movie lured the protagonist into a dangerous situation. [fatale: noun]
Example
The company's fatale mistake led to a massive loss of revenue. [fatale: adjective]
deadly
Example
The snake's venom is deadly and can kill within minutes. [deadly: adjective]
Example
The storm caused deadly flooding in the area. [deadly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deadly is a more common word than fatale and is used in a wider range of contexts. Fatale is less commonly used and is often associated with literature or film.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatale and deadly?
Both fatale and deadly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fatale may be considered more literary or dramatic in tone.