What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
violence
Example
The violence in the movie was too graphic for me. [violence: noun]
Example
He resorted to violence when he couldn't get his way. [violence: noun]
cruelty
Example
Animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. [cruelty: noun]
Example
She showed no mercy and treated him with cruelty. [cruelty: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Violence is more commonly used than cruelty in everyday language, especially in news reports and discussions of social issues. Cruelty is more commonly used in discussions of personal relationships, animal welfare, and ethics.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between violence and cruelty?
Violence is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or political discussions, while cruelty is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as personal conversations or social media posts.
