What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sorrow
Example
She felt great sorrow when her grandmother passed away. [sorrow: noun]
Example
He sorrowfully watched as his dreams crumbled before him. [sorrowfully: adverb]
anguish
Example
The mother's heart was filled with anguish when she couldn't find her child. [anguish: noun]
Example
He anguished over the decision for days, unable to sleep or eat. [anguished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorrow is a more commonly used word than anguish in everyday language. Sorrow is a more general term that covers a wide range of situations, while anguish is a more specific and intense emotion that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sorrow and anguish?
Anguish is typically associated with a more formal or dramatic tone, while sorrow can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
