What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harrowed
Example
The news of the accident left me feeling harrowed. [harrowed: adjective]
Example
She looked harrowed after working long hours without rest. [harrowed: past participle]
agonize
Example
He agonized over whether to accept the job offer or not. [agonized: verb]
Example
The thought of losing her pet dog agonized her. [agonized: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harrowed is less common than agonize in everyday language. Agonize is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while harrowed is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between harrowed and agonize?
Both harrowed and agonize are formal words that are typically used in serious or emotional contexts. However, agonize may be considered more dramatic and intense, making it less appropriate for some formal situations.