Cool MateChill out vs Don't worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chill out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Don't worry
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Don't worry
| Chill out | Don't worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɪl aʊt//🇺🇸 //tʃɪl aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri// |
| Meaning | Calm down and relax. | A way to tell someone not to be anxious. |
| Example | You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. | You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | chill out time, chill out period, chill out zone | don't worry about it, don't worry too much, don't worry, everything will be fine |
| Antonyms | - | worry, fret, stress |
| Common mistakes | 'Chill out' is often confused with 'cool off', but the meanings can slightly differ., Some learners use 'chill out' in a serious context, which may sound inappropriate., Using 'chill out' as a command can come off as rude. | Omitting 'don't' and saying 'worry'., Using it in overly serious contexts., Confusing with 'don't care'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chill out' in casual conversations to suggest someone should relax. Avoid in formal contexts. | Use in reassuring contexts; avoid in serious situations where worry is justified. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chill out vs Don't worry
What's the difference between Chill out and Don't worry?
Chill out: Calm down and relax. Don't worry: A way to tell someone not to be anxious.
Which is more formal: Chill out and Don't worry?
Don't worry is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Chill out: You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. Don't worry: You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry.
Can I use Chill out and Don't worry interchangeably?
Not always. Chill out and Don't worry 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.