What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pummeled
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent with a series of quick jabs. [pummeled: verb]
Example
The victim was pummeled by the gang until he was unconscious. [pummeled: past participle]
beat
Example
The police officer beat the suspect with a baton until he confessed. [beat: past tense]
Example
The team beat their rivals in the championship game. [beat: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beat is more commonly used than pummeled in everyday language. Beat is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while pummeled is less common and has a more specific meaning related to severe physical attacks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pummeled and beat?
Both pummeled and beat are informal words that are not suitable for formal contexts. However, pummeled is more informal and has a stronger negative connotation than beat, which can be used in more neutral or positive contexts as well.