What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ghastly
Example
The ghastly sight of the accident left me feeling sick. [ghastly: adjective]
Example
She looked ghastly after hearing the news. [ghastly: adverb]
horrifying
Example
The movie was so horrifying that I couldn't sleep for days. [horrifying: adjective]
Example
The thought of being trapped in an elevator is absolutely horrifying. [horrifying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Horrifying is more commonly used than ghastly in everyday language. Horrifying is a stronger word that is often used to describe intense emotions, while ghastly is less common and has a narrower range of usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ghastly and horrifying?
Both ghastly and horrifying are generally considered formal words that are used in serious or dramatic contexts. However, horrifying can also be used in more casual contexts, such as describing a scary movie or roller coaster ride.
