What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mysterious
Example
The disappearance of the treasure remains a mysterious event. [mysterious: adjective]
Example
She had a mysterious smile on her face that made me wonder what she was thinking. [mysterious: adjective]
strange
Example
It was strange to see a cat chasing a dog. [strange: adjective]
Example
He had a strange accent that I couldn't place. [strange: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strange is more commonly used than mysterious in everyday language. Strange is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mysterious is less common and is often used in specific contexts to create an air of intrigue or fascination.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mysterious and strange?
Both mysterious and strange can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mysterious may be considered more formal due to its association with intrigue and mystery.
