What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perished
Example
Many people perished in the earthquake that struck the city. [perished: past tense]
Example
The ancient civilization perished due to drought and famine. [perished: verb]
vanished
Example
The plane vanished from radar and was never found. [vanished: past tense]
Example
The magician made the rabbit vanish into thin air. [vanish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vanished is more commonly used than perished in everyday language. Vanished is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while perished is less common and often used in more serious or tragic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perished and vanished?
Both perished and vanished are formal words that are typically used in serious or literary contexts. However, vanished can also be used in more casual situations, while perished is usually reserved for more solemn occasions.
