What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irate
Example
The customer became irate when they found out their order was incorrect. [irate: adjective]
Example
I was absolutely irate when I heard the news. [irate: adjective]
incense
Example
The priest burned incense during the ceremony. [incense: noun]
Example
The unfair treatment of employees incensed the union members. [incensed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irate is less common than incense in everyday language. Irate is typically used in more formal contexts, such as legal or academic writing, while incense is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between irate and incense?
Irate is more formal than incense, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words should be used with caution in professional settings as they convey a strong emotional response that may not be appropriate in all situations.
