What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colonist
Example
The colonists arrived on the ship and began building their new community. [colonists: noun]
Example
Many colonists faced challenges adapting to the unfamiliar environment. [colonists: plural noun]
settler
Example
The settlers cleared the land and built houses for their families. [settlers: noun]
Example
The early settlers faced hardships as they established their new lives in the wilderness. [settlers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Settler is more commonly used than colonist in everyday language. Settler is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while colonist is more specific and often associated with historical periods of colonization.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between colonist and settler?
Both colonist and settler can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, colonist may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its historical connotations and association with colonization.