Definitions
- Referring to a person who has committed a crime and has been convicted by law. - Talking about illegal activities or actions that are against the law. - Describing a person who has a criminal record or history of committing crimes.
- Referring to a person who has committed a crime, especially a violent or serious one. - Talking about someone who is responsible for a harmful or wrongful act. - Describing a person who has caused harm or injury to another individual or group.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to individuals who have committed a crime.
- 2Both words are used in legal contexts.
- 3Both words imply wrongdoing or illegal activity.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a specific person or group of people.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Criminal is a broader term that can refer to anyone who has committed a crime, while perpetrator is more specific and often used to describe someone who has committed a serious or violent crime.
- 2Legal status: Criminal implies that the person has been convicted of a crime, while perpetrator does not necessarily imply legal guilt.
- 3Connotation: Perpetrator has a more negative connotation than criminal, as it often implies a deliberate and harmful act.
- 4Usage: Criminal is a more common and versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while perpetrator is less common and more specific to certain types of crimes.
- 5Formality: Criminal is a more neutral and formal term, while perpetrator can be more emotional and informal.
Remember this!
While both criminal and perpetrator refer to individuals who have committed a crime, there are some differences between the two words. Criminal is a broader term that can refer to anyone who has committed a crime, while perpetrator is more specific and often used to describe someone who has committed a serious or violent crime. Additionally, perpetrator has a more negative connotation and is less commonly used than criminal.
