What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stuffy
Example
The conference room was stuffy and hot, making it hard to concentrate. [stuffy: adjective]
Example
I find the atmosphere at this party a bit stuffy. [stuffy: adjective]
Example
My boss can be a bit stuffy when it comes to dress code. [stuffy: adjective]
suffocating
Example
The smoke in the room was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. [suffocating: adjective]
Example
I feel suffocated by my overbearing parents sometimes. [suffocated: verb, past tense]
Example
The pressure to succeed in this job is suffocating me. [suffocating: verb, present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stuffy is more commonly used than suffocating in everyday language. Stuffy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while suffocating is more specific and often used in more dramatic or emotional situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between stuffy and suffocating?
Both stuffy and suffocating are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversations. However, stuffy can also be used in more formal contexts to describe an oppressive atmosphere or environment, while suffocating is less versatile and is typically used in more emotional or dramatic situations.
