What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adultery
Example
He committed adultery with his secretary and was caught by his wife. [adultery: noun]
Example
She accused him of committing adultery and filed for divorce. [committing: verb]
affair
Example
They had an affair while he was still married to his first wife. [affair: noun]
Example
She didn't want anyone to know about her affair with her boss. [her: possessive pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Affair is more commonly used than adultery in everyday language. Affair is a broader term that can apply to any romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage, while adultery is a more specific term that only applies to married individuals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adultery and affair?
Both adultery and affair are formal words that are typically used in serious or sensitive contexts, such as legal proceedings or counseling sessions. However, adultery may be considered more formal due to its legal implications and negative connotations.
