What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stiffened
Example
She stiffened in fear when she heard the loud noise. [stiffened: verb]
Example
The old book's pages had stiffened with age. [stiffened: past participle]
Example
His resolve stiffened as he faced the challenge ahead. [stiffened: verb]
toughen
Example
The leather was treated to toughen it against wear and tear. [toughen: verb]
Example
The experience toughened her up and made her more resilient. [toughened: past participle]
Example
He toughened his stance and refused to back down. [toughened: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toughen is more commonly used than stiffened in everyday language. Toughen is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while stiffened is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stiffened and toughen?
Both stiffened and toughen are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
