What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whimper
Example
The puppy whimpered as it licked its wounded paw. [whimpered: past tense verb]
Example
She tried to stifle her whimper as she watched the sad movie. [whimper: noun]
whine
Example
The child's constant whining was driving her parents crazy. [whining: gerund or present participle]
Example
The engine of the car started to whine as it struggled up the steep hill. [whine: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whine is more commonly used than whimper in everyday language. Whine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while whimper is less common and refers to a specific type of sound made by someone or something in distress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whimper and whine?
While whimper is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, whine is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
