What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snuff
Example
She snuffed out the candle before going to bed. [snuffed: past tense]
Example
He took a deep snuff from his tobacco box. [snuff: noun]
Example
The company tried to snuff out the rumors about their financial troubles. [snuff: verb]
extinguish
Example
The firefighters worked hard to extinguish the raging fire. [extinguish: verb]
Example
The company's reputation was extinguished after the scandal broke out. [extinguished: past participle]
Example
The government used force to extinguish the protests and restore order. [extinguish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extinguish is more commonly used than snuff in everyday language. Extinguish is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while snuff is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snuff and extinguish?
Extinguish is a more formal and serious word than snuff. It is often used in technical or professional contexts, such as firefighting or safety regulations. On the other hand, snuff is more casual and informal, and is often used in everyday conversations or in creative writing.
