What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brigand
Example
The brigand ambushed the caravan and stole all their valuable goods. [brigand: noun]
Example
The villagers lived in fear of the brigands who roamed the nearby forest. [brigands: plural noun]
robber
Example
The robber entered the bank with a gun and demanded all the money. [robber: noun]
Example
She was a victim of a robber who snatched her purse on the street. [robber: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Robber is more commonly used than brigand in everyday language. Robber is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while brigand is less common and has a more specific historical or literary connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brigand and robber?
While brigand is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, robber is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.