What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
torpify
Example
The heat and humidity torpified the athletes, making it difficult for them to perform. [torpify: verb]
Example
The boring lecture torpified the students, causing them to lose focus. [torpified: past tense]
numb
Example
After the surgery, my leg was numb and I couldn't feel anything. [numb: adjective]
Example
The tragic news left me feeling numb and unable to process my emotions. [numb: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Numb is more commonly used than torpify in everyday language. Numb is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while torpify is less common and more formal, often used in academic or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between torpify and numb?
Torpify is a more formal word than numb. It is often used in academic or scientific writing, while numb is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.