What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paroxysmal
Example
The patient experienced paroxysmal coughing fits throughout the night. [paroxysmal: adjective]
Example
Her paroxysms of laughter were contagious and filled the room. [paroxysms: noun]
fitful
Example
The wind blew fitfully through the trees, rustling the leaves. [fitfully: adverb]
Example
He had a fitful night's sleep, waking up several times throughout the night. [fitful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fitful is more commonly used than paroxysmal in everyday language. Fitful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while paroxysmal is less common and usually reserved for medical or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paroxysmal and fitful?
Paroxysmal is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while fitful is more casual and informal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
