What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
twiddle
Example
She twiddled her hair while waiting for the bus. [twiddled: past tense]
Example
He twiddled the pen between his fingers during the meeting. [twiddled: verb]
fidget
Example
The child couldn't stop fidgeting in his seat during class. [fidgeting: gerund or present participle]
Example
She fidgeted with her necklace during the interview. [fidgeted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fidget is more commonly used than twiddle in everyday language. Fidget is a more versatile word that can describe a wider range of movements and behaviors, while twiddle is less common and more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between twiddle and fidget?
Both twiddle and fidget are informal words that are more likely to be used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
