What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
riled
Example
He was really riled up after the argument with his boss. [riled: adjective]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site riled up the neighbors. [riled up: phrasal verb]
irritated
Example
She was irritated by her coworker's constant interruptions. [irritated: adjective]
Example
The mosquito bites left her skin red and irritated. [irritated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritated is more commonly used than riled in everyday language. Irritated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while riled is less common and may be considered more informal or colloquial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between riled and irritated?
While both riled and irritated can be used in informal contexts, irritated is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
