What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mar
Example
The scratch on the car's door marred its otherwise pristine appearance. [mar: verb]
Example
The scandal marred the politician's reputation and chances for re-election. [marred: past participle]
impair
Example
The medication may impair your ability to drive safely. [impair: verb]
Example
The injury impaired his mobility and required physical therapy. [impaired: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mar is more commonly used in everyday language than impair. Mar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impair is more specialized and often used in technical or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mar and impair?
Impair is more formal and technical than mar, and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Mar is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
