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Meaning & use

comfortable vs uncomfortable

phrase, adjective·Everyday

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UK/ˈkʌmftəbl vəz ʌnˈkʌmftəbl/
US/ˈkʌmfərtəbl vəz ʌnˈkʌmfərtəbl/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to contrast feeling at ease or free from pain with feeling uneasy or in pain.

    Grammar: Often used as a heading or in comparisons: 'comfortable vs uncomfortable'.

    Patterns

    • comfortable vs uncomfortable
    • the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable

    The survey asked whether people felt comfortable vs uncomfortable in social situations.

    In this lesson, we'll explore comfortable vs uncomfortable adjectives.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Physically at ease; free from pain or restriction.

    Grammar: Can be used before a noun or after a linking verb: 'a comfortable chair', 'I feel comfortable'.

    Patterns

    • feel comfortable
    • comfortable with something
    • comfortable in something

    These shoes are very comfortable for walking.

    She felt comfortable in the new office.

  3. adjectivecomparable

    Feeling slightly embarrassed, uneasy, or physically uncomfortable.

    Grammar: Often used after linking verbs: 'I felt uncomfortable'.

    Patterns

    • feel uncomfortable
    • uncomfortable with something
    • uncomfortable about something

    He felt uncomfortable when everyone stared at him.

    The chair was uncomfortable, so I stood up.

Common combinations

feel comfortable
I feel comfortable talking to her.
feel uncomfortable
She felt uncomfortable in the crowded room.
comfortable with
Are you comfortable with the plan?
uncomfortable about
He was uncomfortable about asking for help.

Synonyms and how they differ

at ease
More formal; often describes a relaxed manner rather than physical comfort.
uneasy
Suggests worry or anxiety, not just physical discomfort.

Opposites

uncomfortablecomfortable

Word family

comfort noun
A state of physical ease or a thing that provides ease.
comfortably adverb
In a comfortable way.
uncomfortably adverb
In an uncomfortable way.

Commonly confused: comfortable vs uncomfortable or conformable?

comfortable vs uncomfortable vs conformable

Means 'similar' or 'in agreement', not related to physical comfort.

Practice

Choose the correct word: After a long hike, I was so tired that I just wanted to sit in a _____ chair.

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