What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teased
Example
He teased her about her new haircut, but she knew he meant no harm. [teased: verb]
Example
The siblings often teased each other, but it was all in good fun. [teasing: noun]
taunt
Example
The bullies taunted him for being different, making him feel ashamed. [taunted: verb]
Example
Her classmates would often taunt her for her accent, causing her to feel isolated. [taunting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tease is more commonly used than taunt in everyday language. Tease is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while taunt is less common and has a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between teased and taunt?
While tease is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, taunt is more formal and often used in serious or confrontational situations.
