What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tamper
Example
The forensic team found evidence that someone had tampered with the crime scene. [tampered: past tense]
Example
It's important not to tamper with the electrical wiring if you're not trained to do so. [tamper: verb]
interfere
Example
I don't want to interfere with your plans, but have you considered the consequences? [interfere: verb]
Example
The bad weather interfered with our travel plans and we had to reschedule. [interfered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interfere is more commonly used than tamper in everyday language. Interfere is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tamper is less common and usually associated with specific situations such as tampering with evidence or tampering with a product.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tamper and interfere?
Both tamper and interfere can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tamper is more likely to be used in legal or technical contexts where precision and accuracy are required.