What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mortify
Example
I was mortified when I realized my fly was open during the entire meeting. [mortified: past participle]
Example
Her parents' behavior mortified her in front of her friends. [mortify: verb]
humiliate
Example
He felt humiliated when his boss scolded him in front of his colleagues. [humiliated: past participle]
Example
The bully humiliated the new student by making fun of his clothes. [humiliate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humiliate is more commonly used than mortify in everyday language. Humiliate is a stronger word that covers a wider range of contexts, while mortify is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mortify and humiliate?
Both mortify and humiliate are formal words that are typically used in serious or sensitive situations. However, humiliate may be considered more formal due to its stronger connotation and wider range of contexts.
