What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rile
Example
Don't rile him up, he's already in a bad mood. [rile: verb]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site riled up the neighbors. [riled: past participle]
irritate
Example
The sound of the alarm clock always irritates me in the morning. [irritates: verb]
Example
The mosquito bite is really irritating my skin. [irritating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritate is more commonly used than rile in everyday language. Irritate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rile is less common and more informal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rile and irritate?
Irritate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Rile, on the other hand, is more informal and typically associated with a casual tone.
