What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petrified
Example
I was petrified when I saw the snake in my room. [petrified: adjective]
Example
She was petrified with fear and couldn't move. [petrified: past participle]
terrified
Example
I was terrified when I heard the loud noise in the middle of the night. [terrified: adjective]
Example
The child was terrified of the dark and refused to sleep alone. [terrified: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terrified is more commonly used than petrified in everyday language. Terrified is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while petrified is less common and refers to a more extreme level of fear.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between petrified and terrified?
Both petrified and terrified are informal words that are used in casual conversation. However, petrified may be considered slightly more formal due to its less common usage and its origin from the Greek language.
