What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purgatory
Example
The Catholic Church teaches that souls go to purgatory after death to be purified before entering heaven. [purgatory: noun]
Example
She felt like she was in purgatory, waiting for the test results to come back. [purgatory: metaphorical use]
hell
Example
He believed that those who did not follow God's commandments would end up in hell. [hell: noun]
Example
I went through hell trying to finish that project on time. [hell: metaphorical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hell is more commonly used than purgatory in everyday language, as it has a wider range of meanings and applications. Purgatory is a more specific term that is primarily used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purgatory and hell?
Both purgatory and hell are formal words that are typically used in serious or religious contexts. However, hell is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while purgatory is primarily used in religious or academic settings.
