What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
claimant
Example
The claimant argued that they were entitled to the insurance payout. [claimant: noun]
Example
She is the claimant in the lawsuit against the company. [claimant: noun]
plaintiff
Example
The plaintiff accused the defendant of breach of contract. [plaintiff: noun]
Example
He decided to become the plaintiff and take the matter to court. [plaintiff: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaintiff is more commonly used than claimant in legal settings and discussions. Plaintiff is a specific term used in the legal field, while claimant has a broader usage beyond legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between claimant and plaintiff?
Both claimant and plaintiff are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, plaintiff is more commonly associated with formal legal proceedings, while claimant can be used in both formal and informal situations.
