What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appellant
Example
The appellant filed an appeal with the higher court to challenge the lower court's decision. [appellant: noun]
Example
The appellant argued that there were errors in the trial proceedings. [appellant: adjective]
complainant
Example
The complainant provided a detailed statement to the police about the incident. [complainant: noun]
Example
The complainant alleged that the company had violated consumer protection laws. [complainant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complainant is more commonly used than appellant in everyday language. Complainant can be used in various contexts, such as legal, workplace, or consumer complaints. Appellant, on the other hand, is more specific to legal proceedings and is less commonly used in general conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appellant and complainant?
Appellant has a more formal and legal tone, as it is primarily used in legal contexts. Complainant, although it can also be used in formal situations, is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.