Cool MateHarm vs Hurt
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Harm | Hurt | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To hurt someone or something. | to cause pain or damage to someone or something |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Usage notes | Use 'harm' in contexts where someone or something is negatively affected. It's suitable for both spoken and written English but avoids overly emotional contexts. | Use 'hurt' when talking about physical or emotional pain. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts but avoid it in overly formal writing. Saying someone 'hurt my feelings' is common. |
Frequently asked questions: Harm vs Hurt
What's the difference between "Harm" and "Hurt"?
"Harm" means: To hurt someone or something. "Hurt" means: to cause pain or damage to someone or something
When should I use "Harm" and "Hurt"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Harm" and "Hurt" the same CEFR level?
"Harm" is at B2, "Hurt" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.