What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hissed
Example
The snake hissed at the approaching predator. [hissed: verb]
Example
She hissed at him to be quiet during the movie. [hissed: past tense]
Example
The tire hissed as the air escaped from the puncture. [hissed: past participle]
sibilated
Example
The cobra sibilated as it prepared to strike. [sibilated: verb]
Example
He sibilated his words in anger, making it hard to understand him. [sibilated: past tense]
Example
The steam sibilated as it escaped from the kettle. [sibilated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hissed is more common than sibilated in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hissed and sibilated?
Both hissed and sibilated are relatively formal words, but sibilated may be slightly more formal due to its Latin roots.
