What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trepidation
Example
I felt a sense of trepidation before my first day at the new job. [trepidation: noun]
Example
She approached the stage with trepidation, unsure of how the audience would react. [trepidation: noun]
fear
Example
I have a fear of heights and can't go on roller coasters. [fear: noun]
Example
He feared for his safety when he heard strange noises outside. [feared: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fear is a more common word than trepidation in everyday language. Fear is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while trepidation is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trepidation and fear?
Trepidation is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while fear can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
