What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrug
Example
He shrugged his shoulders when asked about the new policy. [shrugged: verb]
Example
She gave a shrug of indifference when told about the party. [shrug: noun]
dismiss
Example
The manager dismissed the proposal as unrealistic. [dismissed: verb]
Example
She was dismissed from her job for repeatedly being late. [dismissal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dismiss is more commonly used than shrug in formal contexts such as business or legal settings. However, shrug is more common in everyday conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrug and dismiss?
Dismiss is more formal than shrug, which is often used in casual conversations. Therefore, dismiss is more appropriate in formal settings, while shrug is more suitable for informal situations.
