What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kowtowed
Example
The employee kowtowed to the boss's demands, even though they disagreed. [kowtowed: past tense verb]
Example
The diplomat kowtowed to the foreign dignitary as a sign of respect. [kowtowed: past participle]
fawn
Example
The journalist fawned over the celebrity, hoping for an exclusive interview. [fawned: past tense verb]
Example
The politician was accused of fawning over the wealthy donors to secure campaign funds. [fawning: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fawn is more commonly used than kowtowed in everyday language. Fawn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kowtowed is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kowtowed and fawn?
Kowtowed is a more formal word than fawn, and is typically used in more formal or serious contexts, such as politics or diplomacy. Fawn can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be seen as more informal or casual.
