Cool MateAgony vs Anguish vs Torment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Agony
Top 3,000 (common)
Anguish
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Torment
Top 5,000 (fairly common)B1noun
Most formal: AnguishMost common: Agony
| Agony | Anguish | Torment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæɡəni//🇺🇸 //ˈæɡəni// | 🇬🇧 //ˈæŋɡwɪʃ//🇺🇸 //ˈæŋɡwɪʃ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈtɔː.mɛnt//🇺🇸 //ˈtɔːr.mɛnt// |
| Meaning | Very severe pain or suffering. | Extreme sadness or pain. | extreme pain or suffering |
| Example | He screamed in agony after breaking his leg. | She cried out in anguish after receiving the bad news. | The constant criticism was a source of great torment for her. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | ||
| 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 | mental torment, physical torment, torture and torment, live in torment, feel torment |
| Antonyms | comfort, ease, relief | joy, happiness, comfort | comfort, relief, pleasure |
| 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' | Confusing 'torment' with 'torture' – 'torture' has a stronger, more physical connotation., Using 'torment' in sentences without the right context, especially in casual settings., Mispronouncing the word, leading to misunderstandings. |
| 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. | Use 'torment' to describe severe emotional or physical suffering. It's neutral, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Agony vs Anguish vs Torment
What's the difference between Agony, Anguish, and Torment?
Agony: Very severe pain or suffering. Anguish: Extreme sadness or pain. Torment: extreme pain or suffering
Which is more formal: Agony, Anguish, and Torment?
Anguish is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Agony, Anguish, and Torment?
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. Torment: The constant criticism was a source of great torment for her.
Can I use Agony, Anguish, and Torment interchangeably?
Not always. Agony, Anguish, and Torment 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.