What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grieved
Example
She grieved for weeks after her dog passed away. [grieved: verb]
Example
The family was still in a state of grief after the sudden death of their loved one. [grief: noun]
heartbroken
Example
He was heartbroken when he found out his girlfriend had been cheating on him. [heartbroken: adjective]
Example
The parents were left heartbroken after their child's illness took a turn for the worse. [heartbroken: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grieved is more commonly used than heartbroken in everyday language. Grieved is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while heartbroken is more specific and often used in more emotional or romantic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grieved and heartbroken?
Both grieved and heartbroken are formal words that can be used in serious or somber contexts. However, heartbroken may be more appropriate in more emotional or personal situations, while grieved can be used in a wider range of contexts.
