What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frantic
Example
The mother was frantic when she couldn't find her child in the crowded mall. [frantic: adjective]
Example
The team worked frantically to meet the deadline. [frantically: adverb]
distraught
Example
She was distraught when she heard the news of her father's death. [distraught: adjective]
Example
The family was distraught over the loss of their home in the fire. [distraught: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frantic is more commonly used than distraught in everyday language. Frantic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distraught is less common and tends to be used in more specific emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frantic and distraught?
Both frantic and distraught are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation. However, distraught may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with deeper emotional states.
