What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheat
Example
He cheated on the exam by looking at his neighbor's paper. [cheated: past tense]
Example
She is known for cheating in card games and always finding a way to win. [cheating: gerund or present participle]
dupe
Example
He was duped into buying a fake painting thinking it was an original. [duped: past tense]
Example
She felt like a dupe when she realized she had been tricked into giving away her personal information. [dupe: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheat is more commonly used than dupe in everyday language, especially when referring to dishonest behavior in games or competitions. Dupe is less common and is typically used to describe being tricked or manipulated in general situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheat and dupe?
Both cheat and dupe can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cheat is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while dupe is slightly more informal and casual in tone.
