What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stymy
Example
The team was stymied by the unexpected weather conditions. [stymied: past tense]
Example
The new regulations have stymied our ability to expand our business. [stymied: verb]
block
Example
The road was blocked by a fallen tree. [blocked: past tense]
Example
Her fear of failure was blocking her from pursuing her dreams. [blocking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Block is more commonly used than stymy in everyday language. Block is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stymy is less common and more formal, and is often used in specific contexts such as golf or legal language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stymy and block?
Stymy is more formal than block, and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Block is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
