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 a deep wound. [lacerated: verb]
Example
Her heart was lacerated by the news of her friend's passing. [lacerated: adjective]
Example
The dog's sharp teeth lacerated the toy into pieces. [lacerated: verb]
rend
Example
The storm winds rend the trees, causing them to fall. [rend: verb]
Example
She was rent with grief when she heard the news of her father's death. [rent: adjective]
Example
The political scandal has rent the country into two opposing factions. [rent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lacerate is less common than rend in everyday language, as it is more specialized and technical. Rend is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including literature, poetry, and everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lacerate and rend?
Both lacerate and rend have a formal tone due to their technical or poetic connotations. However, lacerate may be perceived as more clinical and objective, while rend may be perceived as more expressive and subjective.
