What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confinement
Example
The prisoner was kept in confinement for several months. [confinement: noun]
Example
Due to the pandemic, many people are experiencing confinement in their homes. [confinement: noun]
quarantine
Example
After returning from a trip abroad, I had to undergo a 14-day quarantine. [quarantine: noun]
Example
The government imposed a quarantine on the entire city to control the spread of the virus. [quarantine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quarantine is more commonly used than confinement in everyday language, especially in the context of the current pandemic. Confinement is less common and is typically associated with more severe situations, such as imprisonment.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between confinement and quarantine?
Quarantine is more formal than confinement, as it is a term commonly used in medical and legal contexts. Confinement can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is typically associated with more serious or negative situations.
