What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alienation
Example
The new student felt a sense of alienation in the classroom. [alienation: noun]
Example
His constant criticism of others led to his alienation from his friends. [alienation: noun]
detachment
Example
She approached the situation with detachment, trying to remain objective. [detachment: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of detachment from his own emotions, as if he were observing them from a distance. [detachment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alienation is more commonly used than detachment in social or political contexts, while detachment is more commonly used in psychological or emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alienation and detachment?
Both alienation and detachment can be used in formal or informal contexts, but alienation may be more commonly used in academic or professional settings due to its association with social or political theory.
