What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frighten
Example
The loud noise frightened the cat. [frightened: verb]
Example
She had a frightened expression on her face. [frightened: adjective]
Example
The horror movie was too frightening for me. [frightening: gerund or present participle]
startle
Example
The loud noise startled me. [startled: verb]
Example
He had a startled expression on his face. [startled: adjective]
Example
The surprise party was a great way to startle her. [startling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Startle is more commonly used than frighten in everyday language. Startle is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while frighten is less common and has a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between frighten and startle?
Both frighten and startle are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, frighten may be considered slightly more formal than startle due to its negative connotation.
