What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ravage
Example
The hurricane ravaged the coastal town, leaving behind a trail of destruction. [ravaged: past tense]
Example
The invading army ravaged the countryside, burning down villages and killing civilians. [ravaging: present participle]
desolate
Example
The desert was desolate, with nothing but sand dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. [desolate: adjective]
Example
After the war, the city was left desolate, with buildings in ruins and streets empty of people. [desolate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desolate is more commonly used than ravage in everyday language. Desolate can be used in a wider range of contexts, including both physical and emotional states, while ravage is more specific and often used to describe the aftermath of a disaster or conflict.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ravage and desolate?
Both ravage and desolate are formal words that are more likely to be used in serious or dramatic contexts, such as news reports, literature, or speeches.
