What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
banish
Example
The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom. [banish: verb]
Example
She was banished from the group after betraying their trust. [banished: past tense]
exile
Example
After the revolution, the former dictator went into exile. [exile: noun]
Example
He was exiled to a remote island for his involvement in the conspiracy. [exiled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banish is less commonly used than exile in everyday language. Banish is more specific and often used in legal or official contexts, while exile has a broader usage and can be employed in various situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between banish and exile?
Both banish and exile are formal words, but banish is more commonly associated with official or legal contexts, while exile can also be used in more general or informal settings.
