What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
corsair
Example
The corsair attacked the merchant ship and stole its cargo. [corsair: noun]
Example
Corsairs were notorious for their raids on coastal towns and villages. [corsairs: plural noun]
privateer
Example
The privateer captured several enemy ships during the war. [privateer: noun]
Example
The privateer sailed under the flag of a neutral country to avoid being attacked. [privateer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Privateer is more commonly used than corsair in everyday language. Privateer has a wider range of contexts and can refer to both historical and modern-day ships, while corsair is less common and is typically associated with a specific historical period.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between corsair and privateer?
While corsair is typically associated with a more informal tone, privateer can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
