What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flash flood
Example
The town was hit by a flash flood after a heavy downpour. [flash flood: noun]
Example
The river overflowed and caused a flash flood in the nearby village. [flash flood: adjective]
deluge
Example
The city experienced a deluge that lasted for three days. [deluge: noun]
Example
The heavy rain deluged the streets, making it difficult to drive. [deluged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flash flood is more commonly used than deluge in everyday language. Flash flood is often used in news reports and weather forecasts, while deluge is more commonly used in literature or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flash flood and deluge?
Both flash flood and deluge are formal terms used to describe a natural disaster. However, flash flood is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while deluge is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.