Cool MateAgony vs Torment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Agony
Top 3,000 (common)
Torment
Top 5,000 (fairly common)B1noun
Most common: Agony
| Agony | Torment | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæɡəni//🇺🇸 //ˈæɡəni// | 🇬🇧 //ˈtɔː.mɛnt//🇺🇸 //ˈtɔːr.mɛnt// |
| Meaning | Very severe pain or suffering. | extreme pain or suffering |
| Example | He screamed in agony after breaking his leg. | The constant criticism was a source of great torment for her. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (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 | mental torment, physical torment, torture and torment, live in torment, feel torment |
| Antonyms | comfort, ease, relief | 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. | 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 '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 Torment
What's the difference between Agony and Torment?
Agony: Very severe pain or suffering. Torment: extreme pain or suffering
Which is more common: Agony 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. Torment: The constant criticism was a source of great torment for her.
Can I use Agony and Torment interchangeably?
Not always. Agony 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.