What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lacerate
Example
The jagged glass lacerated his arm, causing him to bleed profusely. [lacerated: past tense verb]
Example
Her heart was lacerated by the news of her father's death. [lacerated: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech lacerated his opponent's reputation. [lacerated: verb]
mangle
Example
The washing machine mangled her favorite dress, leaving it in tatters. [mangled: past tense verb]
Example
The car accident mangled the metal frame beyond repair. [mangled: past participle]
Example
His thick accent mangled the pronunciation of the words, making it hard to follow. [mangled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mangle is more commonly used than lacerate in everyday language. Mangle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lacerate is less common and refers to a more specific type of damage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lacerate and mangle?
Lacerate is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while mangle can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
