Devastated vs. destroyed: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Devastated often has an emotional connotation, while destroyed is more physical or literal.
What they have in common
Both devastated and destroyed convey a sense of severe damage or ruin.
Examples
devastated
- She was devastated by the loss of her pet.
- The community was devastated by the hurricane.
destroyed
- The building was destroyed in the fire.
- His careless actions destroyed the trust they had.
Which one is more common?
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