What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
backbitten
Example
She was hurt when she found out that her friends had been backbiting about her. [backbiting: verb]
Example
The office environment became toxic due to constant backbiting and rumors. [backbiting: noun]
defame
Example
He sued the newspaper for defaming his character with false allegations. [defaming: verb]
Example
The celebrity's reputation was severely damaged after being defamed by tabloid magazines. [defamed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defame is more commonly used than backbite in everyday language. Defame is a term that is more widely recognized and understood, while backbite is less common and may be unfamiliar to some ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between backbitten and defame?
Both backbite and defame are associated with negative actions and are generally considered informal or negative in tone. However, defame can be used in more formal contexts, such as legal or professional settings, while backbite is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal situations.
