Quick answer
To soar is to fly high or rise sharply — prices soared, an eagle soaring. Sore means painful, and as a noun a painful spot. Rising takes the A; pain takes the E.
The core difference
Rising and hurting.
- soar — rise or fly high: soaring costs, soaring architecture.
- sore — painful: a sore throat, a sore point. Also informally: aggrieved.
The figurative uses
Soar is very common in reporting for sharp rises — soaring inflation, soaring demand. A sore point means a subject that causes irritation, and a sore loser is one who takes defeat badly. Both figurative senses are standard.
The related word
Sorely means severely or greatly — sorely missed, sorely tempted. It comes from the pain sense but no longer implies pain, which surprises people.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling means to rise?
Soar, with the A.
What does "a sore point" mean?
A subject that causes irritation or upset when raised.
Does "sorely missed" mean painfully?
It comes from the pain sense but now simply means greatly or severely.