What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meddle
Example
I don't want you to meddle in my personal life. [meddle: verb]
Example
She always meddles in other people's problems. [meddles: third person singular present]
intervene
Example
The teacher had to intervene to stop the fight. [intervene: verb]
Example
The police intervened to prevent the robbery. [intervened: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intervene is more commonly used than meddle in everyday language. Intervene is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while meddle is less common and refers specifically to unwanted interference.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meddle and intervene?
While meddle is typically associated with a negative connotation and informal tone, intervene can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
