What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caitiff
Example
He proved himself to be a caitiff by betraying his friends. [caitiff: noun]
Example
The caitiff thief ran away as soon as he was confronted. [caitiff: adjective]
villain
Example
The villain plotted to take over the world and destroy everything in his path. [villain: noun]
Example
She played the role of the villain in the play, causing chaos and conflict. [villain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Villain is more commonly used than caitiff in everyday language. Villain is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while caitiff is less common and tends to be used in more specific or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caitiff and villain?
While caitiff is associated with a more formal and archaic tone, villain is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.