What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criminology
Example
Criminology is a fascinating field that explores the reasons why people commit crimes. [criminology: noun]
Example
She is pursuing a degree in criminology to better understand the root causes of criminal behavior. [criminology: noun]
penology
Example
Penology is an important field that seeks to improve the criminal justice system by finding more effective ways to punish and rehabilitate offenders. [penology: noun]
Example
He is an expert in penology and has written extensively on the topic of prison reform. [penology: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criminology is a more common term than penology in everyday language, as it is a broader field that encompasses many aspects of criminal behavior. Penology is a more specialized term that is mainly used in academic and professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criminology and penology?
Criminology and penology are both formal terms that are typically used in academic and professional contexts.
