What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
banishment
Example
The king ordered the banishment of the traitor from the kingdom. [banishment: noun]
Example
After the scandal, she faced social banishment and was shunned by her former friends. [banishment: noun]
exile
Example
The political dissident was sentenced to exile and had to leave the country. [exile: noun]
Example
He was exiled from his hometown and had to start a new life in a foreign land. [exiled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exile is more commonly used than banishment in everyday language. Exile is a term that is often used in historical and political contexts, while banishment is less common and more specific to situations involving punishment or exclusion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between banishment and exile?
Both banishment and exile are formal words, but exile is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Banishment is more commonly used in legal or disciplinary settings.
