Cool MateDistress vs Torment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Distress | Torment | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Great worry or suffering. | extreme pain or suffering |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Use 'distress' to describe emotional pain or anxiety. Avoid informal contexts; 'distress' fits well in psychological or medical discussions. | Use 'torment' to describe severe emotional or physical suffering. It's neutral, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Distress vs Torment
What's the difference between "Distress" and "Torment"?
"Distress" means: Great worry or suffering. "Torment" means: extreme pain or suffering
When should I use "Distress" and "Torment"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Distress" and "Torment" the same CEFR level?
"Distress" is at C1, "Torment" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.