What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confinement
Example
The prisoner was placed in solitary confinement for several days. [confinement: noun]
Example
Due to the pandemic, many people experienced confinement in their homes for extended periods. [confinement: noun]
detention
Example
The suspect was taken into police detention for further questioning. [detention: noun]
Example
The student received detention for being late to class. [detention: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detention is more commonly used than confinement in everyday language. Detention is often associated with schools and law enforcement, while confinement is less common and usually associated with specific situations such as pandemics or physical limitations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between confinement and detention?
Both confinement and detention are formal words that are typically used in serious or legal contexts. However, detention is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels, while confinement is less versatile and may be more formal in tone.
