What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fiddled
Example
He fiddled with his pen while waiting for the meeting to start. [fiddled: verb]
Example
She fiddled with the thermostat, trying to get the temperature just right. [fiddled: past tense]
meddle
Example
I don't want to meddle in their relationship, but I think they should communicate more. [meddle: verb]
Example
She always meddles in her children's lives, even when they are grown up. [meddles: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meddle is more commonly used than fiddled in everyday language. Meddle is a common word used to describe unwanted interference, while fiddled is less common and has a more specific meaning of playing with an object.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fiddled and meddle?
Both fiddled and meddle are informal words, but meddle is more likely to be used in formal contexts to describe inappropriate interference or meddling in a professional setting.
