What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frightening
Example
The sound of thunder was frightening for the little girl. [frightening: adjective]
Example
The thought of being lost in the woods was frightening to him. [frightening: gerund or present participle]
terrifying
Example
The horror movie was so terrifying that I had nightmares for days. [terrifying: adjective]
Example
The experience of being in a car accident was absolutely terrifying. [terrifying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frightening is more common than terrifying in everyday language, and is used to describe a wider range of situations or events that cause fear. Terrifying is less common but is used to describe the most extreme cases of fear or terror.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between frightening and terrifying?
Terrifying is more formal than frightening, and is often used in dramatic or literary contexts. Frightening is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
