What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pry
Example
He tried to pry into my personal life, but I didn't give him any details. [pry: verb]
Example
The detective used a crowbar to pry open the locked door. [pry: verb]
peek
Example
She peeked through the keyhole to see who was at the door. [peeked: past tense]
Example
I took a quick peek at the surprise party decorations before the guests arrived. [peek: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peek is more commonly used than pry in everyday language. Peek is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while pry is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pry and peek?
Both pry and peek are informal words, but pry is considered more informal and can even be considered impolite or rude in certain situations. Peek is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
