What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alcoholic
Example
He struggled with being an alcoholic for many years. [alcoholic: noun]
Example
She ordered an alcoholic drink at the bar. [alcoholic: adjective]
Example
The mechanic used alcohol to clean the engine parts. [alcohol: noun]
sot
Example
He was known around town as a sot who spent all his time in the bar. [sot: noun]
Example
Don't be such a sot and make better decisions. [sot: noun]
Example
The carpenter used a sot to prop up the table while he worked. [sot: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alcoholic is a more common and widely accepted term than sot, which is considered more informal and potentially offensive. Alcoholic is used in medical and clinical settings, while sot is more likely to be used in casual conversation or literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alcoholic and sot?
Alcoholic is a more formal and appropriate term for professional or clinical settings, while sot is more informal and may be considered offensive in some contexts. It's important to use the appropriate term depending on the audience and setting.