What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arbiter
Example
The court appointed an arbiter to settle the dispute between the two companies. [arbiter: noun]
Example
She acted as an arbiter in the negotiation, ensuring both sides were treated fairly. [arbiter: noun]
umpire
Example
The umpire made a controversial call that led to protests from the players. [umpire: noun]
Example
He volunteered to umpire the little league baseball game on Saturday. [umpire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Umpire is more commonly used than arbiter in everyday language, especially in sports-related discussions. Umpire is a familiar term for most people, while arbiter is less commonly used outside of legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arbiter and umpire?
While arbiter is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, umpire is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing sports.
