What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
numbed
Example
I sat on the cold bench for so long that my feet became numbed. [numbed: adjective]
Example
The news of her father's death left her feeling numbed and unable to process her emotions. [numbed: verb]
deadened
Example
The medication deadened the pain in his leg. [deadened: verb]
Example
The constant noise of the city had deadened her senses to the beauty of nature. [deadened: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deadened is less commonly used than numbed in everyday language. Numbed is more versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deadened is more specific and often used in medical or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between numbed and deadened?
Both numbed and deadened are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.