What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
taunted
Example
The kids taunted him for his accent. [taunted: past tense]
Example
She felt hurt when she was taunted by her classmates. [taunted: verb]
teased
Example
He teased her about her new haircut. [teased: past tense]
Example
The siblings often tease each other for fun. [tease: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tease is more commonly used than taunt in everyday language. Tease can be used in a variety of contexts, from friendly banter to playful teasing, while taunt is more specific and often associated with negative situations such as bullying or harassment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between taunted and teased?
Both taunt and tease can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but taunt is generally considered more negative and aggressive, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
