What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squeeze
Example
She squeezed the lemon to get some juice out. [squeeze: verb]
Example
The crowd was so tight that I could barely squeeze through. [squeeze: verb]
Example
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze to show his affection. [squeeze: noun]
grasp
Example
He grasped the handle of the door and pulled it open. [grasp: verb]
Example
I finally grasped the meaning of the difficult math problem. [grasp: verb]
Example
She quickly grasped the opportunity to study abroad. [grasp: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grasp is more commonly used than squeeze in everyday language. Grasp is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squeeze is less common and often used in specific physical or culinary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squeeze and grasp?
Both squeeze and grasp are relatively informal words, but grasp can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility and positive connotation.