Cool MateAgony vs Anguish
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Agony
Top 3,000 (common)
Anguish
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: AnguishMost common: Agony
| Agony | Anguish | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæɡəni//🇺🇸 //ˈæɡəni// | 🇬🇧 //ˈæŋɡwɪʃ//🇺🇸 //ˈæŋɡwɪʃ// |
| Meaning | Very severe pain or suffering. | Extreme sadness or pain. |
| Example | He screamed in agony after breaking his leg. | She cried out in anguish after receiving the bad news. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | in agony, agony of defeat, silent agony, emotional agony, physical agony | anguish of childbirth, anguish over loss, anguish in silence, feel anguish, express anguish |
| Antonyms | comfort, ease, relief | joy, happiness, comfort |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'agony' with 'anguish' - while similar, 'anguish' often refers to emotional suffering., Using 'agony' for minor discomfort - it's reserved for significant pain., Mixing up 'agony' with 'gloom' - 'gloom' refers to sadness, not pain. | Confused with 'anguish' vs 'anguished' (the adjective form), Overused in casual contexts where 'pain' or 'sadness' might be more appropriate, Spelled incorrectly as 'anguise' |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts, often to describe extreme physical or emotional pain. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing intense feelings. | Use 'anguish' in serious or emotional contexts. It's often found in literature and formal writing, less in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Agony vs Anguish
What's the difference between Agony and Anguish?
Agony: Very severe pain or suffering. Anguish: Extreme sadness or pain.
Which is more formal: Agony and Anguish?
Anguish is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Agony and Anguish?
Agony is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Agony: He screamed in agony after breaking his leg. Anguish: She cried out in anguish after receiving the bad news.
Can I use Agony and Anguish interchangeably?
Not always. Agony and Anguish are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.