What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stir
Example
Can you stir the soup while I chop the vegetables? [stir: verb]
Example
The leaves rustled in the wind, creating a gentle stir in the air. [stir: noun]
Example
The politician's speech stirred up the crowd, eliciting cheers and applause. [stirred up: past tense verb phrase]
agitate
Example
The washing machine agitates the clothes to clean them thoroughly. [agitate: verb]
Example
The activists agitated for better working conditions and higher wages. [agitated: past participle adjective]
Example
She felt agitated and restless after hearing the bad news. [agitated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stir is more commonly used than agitate in everyday language. Stir is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while agitate is more specific and often used in political or social contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between stir and agitate?
Both stir and agitate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but agitate may be more commonly used in formal writing or speeches due to its association with political or social movements.
