What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
menace
Example
The dark clouds on the horizon were a menace to the sailors. [menace: noun]
Example
The barking dog was menacing the postman. [menacing: verb]
peril
Example
The hiker was in peril when he lost his way in the mountains. [peril: noun]
Example
The storm put the ship in peril of sinking. [peril: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Menace is more commonly used than peril in everyday language. Menace is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peril is less common and tends to be used in more formal or dramatic situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between menace and peril?
Peril is generally considered more formal than menace, due to its Latin origin and more serious connotation. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
