What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
violent
Example
The violent storm caused widespread damage to the town. [violent: adjective]
Example
The protesters turned violent and began throwing rocks at the police. [violent: adjective]
aggressive
Example
The company took an aggressive approach to marketing their new product. [aggressive: adjective]
Example
The dog became aggressive when it sensed a threat to its territory. [aggressive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggressive is more commonly used than violent in everyday language. Aggressive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while violent is more specific and often reserved for extreme situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between violent and aggressive?
Both violent and aggressive can be used in formal or informal contexts, but violent may be seen as more formal due to its association with legal or criminal contexts.