What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
torments
Example
The memories of his past torments him every day. [torments: verb]
Example
She endured the torments of a chronic illness for years. [torments: noun]
pain
Example
He winced in pain as the doctor examined his broken arm. [pain: noun]
Example
The pain of losing her best friend was too much to bear. [pain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pain is a more common word than torments in everyday language. Pain is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while torments is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between torments and pain?
Both torments and pain can be used in formal and informal contexts, but torments may be more associated with a formal or literary tone due to its less common usage.