What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scared
Example
I'm scared of spiders. [scared: adjective]
Example
She was too scared to go on the rollercoaster. [scared: adjective]
terrified
Example
I was terrified when I heard the loud noise in the middle of the night. [terrified: adjective]
Example
The passengers were terrified when the plane hit turbulence. [terrified: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scared is more commonly used than terrified in everyday language, and it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Terrified is less common and more formal, often reserved for more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scared and terrified?
Terrified is a more formal word than scared, and it is often used in more serious or dramatic situations. Scared is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
