What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snuffed
Example
She snuffed out the candle before going to bed. [snuffed: past tense]
Example
The promising young athlete's career was snuffed out by a serious injury. [snuffed: past participle]
Example
The dictator snuffed out any opposition to his regime. [snuffed: verb]
extinguished
Example
The firefighters extinguished the raging inferno in just a few hours. [extinguished: past tense]
Example
Their love for each other was gradually extinguished over time. [extinguished: past participle]
Example
The company had to extinguish its debts before declaring bankruptcy. [extinguish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extinguished is more commonly used than snuffed in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Extinguished is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of meanings and contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between snuffed and extinguished?
Extinguished is generally considered more formal than snuffed, which is more informal and colloquial. However, both words can be used in various levels of formality depending on the context and tone of the sentence.
