What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curse
Example
He let out a curse when he realized he had lost his wallet. [curse: noun]
Example
The witch cast a curse on the prince, causing him to fall into a deep sleep. [curse: verb]
malediction
Example
The prophet pronounced a malediction on the wicked king and his followers. [malediction: noun]
Example
The sorcerer whispered a malediction under his breath, cursing his enemies. [malediction: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curse is a more common word than malediction in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curse and malediction?
Malediction is a more formal and poetic word than curse, often used in literature or religious contexts.
