What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calumnia
Example
He was accused of calumnia for spreading false rumors about his coworker. [calumnia: noun]
Example
She was sued for calumnia after making false statements about her neighbor. [calumnia: noun]
defamation
Example
The celebrity filed a defamation lawsuit against the tabloid for publishing false stories about him. [defamation: noun]
Example
Spreading false rumors about someone can lead to a defamation case. [defamation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defamation is more commonly used than calumnia in everyday English language. It is a widely recognized term in legal and non-legal contexts, while calumnia is less common and more specific to certain regions or legal systems.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calumnia and defamation?
While calumnia is associated with a more formal tone, typically used in legal or professional contexts, defamation can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it more versatile in its usage.
