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 against the lower court's decision. [appellant: noun]
Example
The appellant argued that there were errors in the trial proceedings. [appellant: adjective]
plaintiff
Example
The plaintiff alleged that the defendant breached the contract. [plaintiff: noun]
Example
The plaintiff's lawyer presented evidence to support their case. [plaintiff's: possessive adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaintiff is more commonly used than appellant in both legal and everyday language. Plaintiff is a broader term that covers a wider range of civil cases, while appellant is more specific to the context of appealing a court decision.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appellant and plaintiff?
Both appellant and plaintiff are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, appellant is more technical and specific to the legal process of appealing, while plaintiff is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal legal discussions.
