Furious vs Infuriate: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Furious and infuriate are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Understanding the difference between these two words is important for clear communication and avoiding confusion.

So, which is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. Furious is an adjective that describes a state of extreme anger or rage. Infuriate, on the other hand, is a verb that means to make someone extremely angry or furious.

For example, if someone is described as being furious, it means they are already in a state of extreme anger. If someone or something has infuriated them, it means that they have been pushed to that state of extreme anger.

It’s important to note that while both words describe a high level of anger, they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong word could lead to confusion or miscommunication.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between furious and infuriate in more detail, and provide examples of how to use each word correctly.

Define “Furious”

“Furious” is an adjective that describes an intense feeling of anger or rage. It is a state of being extremely angry, often accompanied by a desire to take action or retaliate. The word “furious” is derived from the Latin word “furiosus,” which means “full of rage.” It is often used to describe a person who is visibly agitated, with signs such as clenched fists, raised voice, and a red face. The term can also be used to describe a situation or event that elicits such a strong emotional response.

Define “Infuriate”

“Infuriate” is a verb that means to make someone extremely angry or furious. It is an action that causes intense anger or irritation, often leading to an outburst or aggressive behavior. The word “infuriate” is derived from the Latin word “infuriatus,” which means “to make furious.” It is often used to describe a deliberate act or behavior that is intended to provoke a strong emotional response. The term can also be used to describe a situation or event that causes such a strong reaction.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “furious” and “infuriate” in a sentence.

How To Use “Furious” In A Sentence

The word “furious” is an adjective that describes a state of extreme anger or rage. Here are some examples of how to use “furious” in a sentence:

• After waiting for two hours, she was furious when the doctor finally arrived.
• The customer was furious when he received a damaged product.
• He was absolutely furious when he found out that his promotion had been given to someone else.

As you can see from these examples, “furious” is used to describe a person’s emotional state when they are extremely angry or enraged.

How To Use “Infuriate” In A Sentence

The word “infuriate” is a verb that means to make someone extremely angry or mad. Here are some examples of how to use “infuriate” in a sentence:

• The long wait at the restaurant infuriated the customers.
• Her constant interruptions during the meeting infuriated her coworkers.
• The fact that he was always late infuriated his boss.

As you can see from these examples, “infuriate” is used to describe an action that causes someone to become extremely angry or mad.

It’s important to note that while “furious” and “infuriate” are related in meaning, they are not interchangeable. “Furious” describes a state of being, while “infuriate” describes an action that causes that state.

More Examples Of Furious & Infuriate Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of how to use “furious” and “infuriate” in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Furious” In A Sentence

• The customer was absolutely furious when they found out their order was cancelled.
• She was furious with her husband for forgetting their anniversary.
• The coach was furious with his team for not playing to their potential.
• He was absolutely furious when he found out he didn’t get the job.
• The employee was furious with their boss for not giving them a raise.
• She was furious with herself for not studying harder for the exam.
• The driver was furious when someone cut them off in traffic.
• He was furious with the airline for losing his luggage.
• The teacher was furious with the students for not paying attention in class.
• She was furious with her friend for talking behind her back.

Examples Of Using “Infuriate” In A Sentence

• It infuriates me when people don’t use their turn signals while driving.
• His constant interruptions during the meeting infuriated his colleagues.
• The fact that he didn’t apologize infuriated her even more.
• She was infuriated by the company’s lack of response to her complaint.
• The long wait times on the phone infuriated the customer.
• The politician’s comments on immigration infuriated many people.
• His lack of effort on the project infuriated his boss.
• The poor service at the restaurant infuriated the diners.
• The company’s decision to lay off employees infuriated the union.
• The fact that he didn’t show up to the meeting infuriated his colleagues.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “furious” and “infuriate,” it’s easy to get them mixed up and use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Using “Furious” As A Verb

One common mistake is using “furious” as a verb, as in “He was furiously typing on his computer.” While this may sound correct, it is actually incorrect usage. “Furious” is an adjective that describes a person’s emotional state, not an action. The correct verb to use in this context would be “type quickly” or “type furiously.”

Using “Infuriate” As An Adjective

Another common mistake is using “infuriate” as an adjective, as in “He was in an infuriate mood.” However, “infuriate” is a verb that means to make someone extremely angry. The correct adjective to use in this context would be “infuriated,” as in “He was infuriated by the news.”

Confusing “Furious” And “Angry”

Many people also use “furious” and “angry” interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. “Furious” means extremely angry, while “angry” is a more general term for being upset or annoyed. To avoid confusion, it’s important to use the correct term depending on the intensity of the emotion being expressed.

Using “Infuriate” To Mean “Enrage”

Finally, some people use “infuriate” to mean “enrage,” but this is not correct usage. “Infuriate” means to make someone extremely angry, while “enrage” means to make someone so angry that they become violent. To avoid confusion, it’s important to use the correct term depending on the level of anger being expressed.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be aware of the correct usage of “furious” and “infuriate.” Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Remember that “furious” is an adjective that describes a person’s emotional state, not an action.
• Use “infuriate” as a verb to mean “to make someone extremely angry.”
• Use “infuriated” as an adjective to describe someone who is extremely angry.
• Be aware of the difference between “furious” and “angry.”
• Use “enrage” to mean “to make someone so angry that they become violent.”

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “furious” and “infuriate,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. While both words convey a sense of anger or intense emotion, they are not interchangeable and their usage depends on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “furious” and “infuriate” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Personal Emotion	After waiting in line for hours, I was _________.	furious
External Event	The news of the company’s bankruptcy ___________ the employees.	infuriated
Intentional Action	The prank played by his friends ___________ him.	infuriated
Unintentional Action	The mistake made by the new employee ___________ the boss.	furious

As we can see from the examples above, the choice between “furious” and “infuriate” depends on the nature of the event or action that caused the anger. In personal emotions or unintentional actions, “furious” is the appropriate word choice, whereas intentional actions or external events call for the use of “infuriate.”

It is important to note that choosing the appropriate word can help convey the intended meaning and emotion more effectively. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the message is conveyed accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using furious and infuriate are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the context in which the words are being used in order to determine which one is appropriate.

Exceptions For Furious

One exception to the rule for using furious is when it is used in the context of a physical state rather than an emotional one. In this case, furious can be used to describe an intense level of activity or movement. For example:

• The storm produced furious winds that knocked down trees and power lines.
• The athletes ran with furious speed, pushing themselves to the limit.

Another exception is when furious is used in a figurative sense to describe something that is intense or extreme. For example:

• The movie’s final scene was a furious explosion of action and excitement.
• The team made a furious comeback in the second half, scoring three goals in just ten minutes.

Exceptions For Infuriate

One exception to the rule for using infuriate is when it is used in the passive voice. In this case, the subject of the sentence is not the one doing the action that causes anger, but rather the one experiencing it. For example:

• He was infuriated by the way his boss treated him.
• The customers were infuriated by the long wait times and poor service.

Another exception is when infuriate is used in a more general sense to describe something that is annoying or frustrating, rather than enraging. For example:

• The slow internet connection was starting to infuriate her.
• His constant interruptions were beginning to infuriate the speaker.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of words is crucial for effective communication. Here are some practice exercises to help readers enhance their knowledge of furious and infuriate:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Choose the correct word (furious or infuriate) to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

1. The customer was ________ when she found out her order was incorrect.	________
2. His constant interruptions __________ me during the meeting.	________
3. The coach was __________ when the team lost the game.	________
4. The delay in delivery __________ the customer.	________

Answer key:

• 1. infuriate
• 2. infuriated
• 3. furious
• 4. furious

Exercise 2: Write Your Own Sentences

Write a sentence for each of the following scenarios using either furious or infuriate:

1. A student who failed an exam despite studying for weeks.
2. A driver who gets stuck in traffic on their way to an important meeting.
3. A parent whose child refuses to listen to their instructions.
4. A customer who receives a damaged product after waiting for weeks for delivery.

Explanation: This exercise encourages readers to think critically and creatively about how to use furious and infuriate in different contexts.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of the words “furious” and “infuriate,” it is clear that they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and speaking. “Furious” denotes a strong feeling of anger or rage, while “infuriate” is a verb that means to cause someone to become extremely angry or enraged.

It is important to note that using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the precise meanings of words and use them accurately in context.

Key Takeaways:

• “Furious” is an adjective that describes a feeling of intense anger or rage.
• “Infuriate” is a verb that means to cause someone to become extremely angry or enraged.
• Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
• Precise language use is crucial in effective communication.

As language is constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning and expanding our knowledge of grammar and language use. By doing so, we can become more effective communicators and avoid common mistakes in writing and speaking.

So, let us continue to explore the intricacies of language and strive for greater clarity and precision in our communication.