What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trepidate
Example
I trepidated at the thought of giving a speech in front of a large audience. [trepidate: verb]
Example
The trepidation she felt before the job interview was overwhelming. [trepidation: noun]
dread
Example
I dread going to the dentist because it always hurts. [dread: verb]
Example
The dread she felt before the haunted house was almost too much to bear. [dread: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dread is more commonly used than trepidate in everyday language, and is more widely understood by native English speakers.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between trepidate and dread?
Both trepidate and dread are formal words, and may not be used as frequently in informal contexts. However, dread is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while trepidate is less common and may be more appropriate in more formal situations.
