What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barbarian
Example
The ancient Romans considered the tribes from the north to be barbarians. [barbarian: noun]
Example
He behaved like a barbarian, shouting and causing a scene in the restaurant. [barbarian: adjective]
savage
Example
The explorers encountered savage tribes deep in the jungle. [savage: adjective]
Example
The savage attack left the village in ruins. [savage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Savage is more commonly used than barbarian in everyday language. Savage is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations or behaviors, while barbarian is less common and tends to be used more in academic or historical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barbarian and savage?
Both barbarian and savage have negative connotations and can be seen as informal or derogatory. However, barbarian is generally considered more formal due to its historical and cultural associations, while savage is more commonly used in informal contexts.
