What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hug
Example
She gave her friend a hug to congratulate her on her success. [hug: noun]
Example
He hugged his sister tightly before leaving for college. [hugged: past tense]
cuddle
Example
The couple cuddled on the couch while watching a movie. [cuddled: past tense]
Example
The child wanted to cuddle with their parent after having a bad dream. [cuddle: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hug is more commonly used than cuddle in everyday language. Hug is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cuddle is less common and is mostly associated with romantic relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hug and cuddle?
While hug is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, cuddle is more intimate and is usually reserved for close relationships, making it more appropriate for informal or romantic contexts.
