What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misery
Example
The refugees were living in misery, with no access to basic necessities. [misery: noun]
Example
She was consumed by misery after the loss of her loved one. [misery: noun]
pain
Example
He winced in pain as the doctor examined his injured leg. [pain: noun]
Example
The breakup caused her a lot of emotional pain and heartache. [pain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pain is more commonly used than misery in everyday language. Pain is a common experience that everyone can relate to, while misery is a more complex and nuanced experience that requires a deeper understanding of emotions and mental health.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between misery and pain?
Both misery and pain can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, misery may be more associated with a formal or literary tone, while pain is more versatile and can be used in various contexts and registers.