What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferocious
Example
The lion's ferocious roar echoed through the jungle. [ferocious: adjective]
Example
The ferocious attack left several people injured. [ferocious: adjective]
savage
Example
The savage beast roamed the forest, hunting for prey. [savage: adjective]
Example
The tribe engaged in savage warfare, leaving no survivors. [savage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ferocious is more commonly used than savage in everyday language, especially when referring to animals. Savage is less common and has a more specific connotation related to historical or cultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferocious and savage?
Both ferocious and savage have negative connotations and are generally not used in formal contexts. However, ferocious may be more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including scientific or technical writing, while savage is more informal and may be considered offensive in some contexts.
