What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mope
Example
After her breakup, she spent days moping around the house. [moping: present participle]
Example
He tends to mope whenever he doesn't get his way. [mope: verb]
languish
Example
The plants languished in the dry soil. [languished: past tense]
Example
He languished in prison for years before being released. [languish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mope is more commonly used than languish in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Languish is more formal and less common, often used in literary or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mope and languish?
Languish is more formal than mope and is often used in serious or academic contexts. Mope is more informal and can be used in casual conversations or everyday writing.
