Energy vs Vigor

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Energy

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun

Vigor

Top 5,000 (fairly common)B1noun
Most common: Energy
 EnergyVigor
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈenədʒi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈenərdʒi/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈvɪɡə//🇺🇸 //ˈvɪɡər//
MeaningThe ability to do work or cause change; a source of power.Great energy and strength.
ExampleI need a lot of energy to run a marathon.She approached her work with great vigor.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelA2B1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsboundless, endless, inexhaustible, amount, level, great deal, be bursting with, be full of, have, flag, dissipate, drain away, level, reserves, bar, energy and enthusiasm, an outlet for your energy, time or energy, alternative, clean, green, amount, generate, produce, harness, production, consumption, use, a demand for energy, a form of energy, a source of energyspeak with vigor, live with vigor, approach with vigor
Antonymslethargy, exhaustion, tirednessfatigue, weakness
Common mistakesConfused with 'energies' when talking about different types of power., Using 'energy' as an uncountable noun incorrectly in some contexts., Mistakenly using it to describe emotions instead of physical power.Confused with 'vigorously', which is an adverb., Incorrectly used as a verb., Omitting its use in a positive context.
Usage notesUsed in many contexts, including physics, health, and daily life. Generally appropriate in both casual and formal settings, but may be too technical in very informal conversations.Used to describe physical or mental energy, often in a positive context. Avoid in overly formal writing.

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Energy

Frequently asked questions: Energy vs Vigor

What's the difference between Energy and Vigor?

Energy: The ability to do work or cause change; a source of power. Vigor: Great energy and strength.

Which is more common: Energy and Vigor?

Energy is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Energy and Vigor?

Vigor is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Energy and Vigor the same CEFR level?

Energy: A2, Vigor: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Energy and Vigor?

Energy: noun, Vigor: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Energy: I need a lot of energy to run a marathon. Vigor: She approached her work with great vigor.

Can I use Energy and Vigor interchangeably?

Not always. Energy and Vigor 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.

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