What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mire
Example
The car got stuck in the mire after the heavy rain. [mire: noun]
Example
The company was mired in debt and struggling to stay afloat. [mired: past participle]
quagmire
Example
The hiker got stuck in a quagmire and had to be rescued. [quagmire: noun]
Example
The politician found himself in a quagmire of conflicting interests and opinions. [quagmire: metaphorical usage]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mire is more commonly used than quagmire in everyday language, especially in literal contexts. Quagmire is less common and tends to be used more in formal writing or in metaphorical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mire and quagmire?
While both mire and quagmire can be used in formal writing, quagmire is more likely to be used in academic or technical writing due to its more specific and severe connotations.
