What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fear
Example
I have a fear of heights, so I avoid tall buildings. [fear: noun]
Example
She feared for her safety when walking alone at night. [feared: past tense verb]
anxiety
Example
I have anxiety about the upcoming exam, even though I studied a lot. [anxiety: noun]
Example
He felt anxious when meeting new people, which made it hard to socialize. [anxious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fear is more commonly used than anxiety in everyday language. Fear is a common emotion that people experience in response to various situations, while anxiety is a more specific term that refers to a mental health condition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fear and anxiety?
Both fear and anxiety can be used in formal and informal contexts, but anxiety is more associated with a clinical or medical tone due to its use in mental health settings.
