What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lurking
Example
The thief was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. [lurking: verb]
Example
There was a sense of danger lurking in the dark alley. [lurking: present participle]
hiding
Example
The cat was hiding under the bed, scared of the loud thunder. [hiding: present participle]
Example
The criminal was hiding from the police in an abandoned building. [hiding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hiding is more commonly used than lurking in everyday language. Hiding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lurking is less common and often associated with negative or suspicious behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lurking and hiding?
Both lurking and hiding are relatively informal words, but lurking can be seen as more negative or suspicious, making it less appropriate for formal contexts.
