What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
corsair
Example
The corsair fleet was feared for its swift and deadly attacks on merchant ships. [corsair: noun]
Example
The government hired corsairs to attack enemy ships during the war. [corsairs: plural noun]
pirate
Example
The pirates boarded the ship and stole all the valuable cargo. [pirates: plural noun]
Example
Downloading movies from unauthorized websites is considered piracy. [piracy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pirate is a more commonly used term than corsair in everyday language, and is often used to describe any individual who attacks and robs ships at sea. Corsair is less common and is typically used to describe a specific type of pirate who operated in the Mediterranean Sea during the Middle Ages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between corsair and pirate?
Both corsair and pirate are generally considered informal terms, but corsair may be seen as slightly more formal due to its historical associations and specific context of use.
