What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blackballed
Example
He was blackballed from the club after his controversial remarks. [blackballed: past tense verb]
Example
The actress felt blackballed by the industry after speaking out against unfair treatment. [blackballed: past participle adjective]
shun
Example
After the scandal, she was shunned by her former friends. [shunned: past tense verb]
Example
The community decided to shun him for his unethical business practices. [shun: present tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shun is more commonly used than blackballed in everyday language. Shun is a versatile word that can be used in different contexts, while blackballed is more specific and often used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blackballed and shun?
While blackballed has a formal tone and is typically used in professional or organizational contexts, shun can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it more flexible in terms of formality.