What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quelled
Example
The police quelled the riot before it could escalate further. [quelled: past tense]
Example
The firefighters worked hard to quell the flames and prevent them from spreading. [quell: verb]
Example
She took deep breaths to quell her nerves before the big presentation. [quell: verb]
allay
Example
The doctor gave her medication to allay her symptoms and make her more comfortable. [allay: verb]
Example
He tried to allay her fears by explaining the situation in detail. [allay: verb]
Example
The therapist used relaxation techniques to allay his anxiety and help him feel more at ease. [allay: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Allay is less common than quell in everyday language, but it is still a useful word to know for formal writing or situations where a more sophisticated vocabulary is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quelled and allay?
Allay is generally considered more formal than quell, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
