What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
damnation
Example
The preacher warned of the damnation that awaited sinners in the afterlife. [damnation: noun]
Example
The politician faced damnation from the public for his corrupt actions. [damnation: metaphorical]
perdition
Example
The cult leader promised his followers salvation from perdition if they followed his teachings. [perdition: noun]
Example
The company faced financial perdition after the scandal was exposed. [perdition: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Damnation is more commonly used than perdition in everyday language, especially in Christian contexts. Perdition is less common and more formal, and is more commonly used in Catholicism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between damnation and perdition?
Perdition is more formal than damnation and is typically used in more serious or literary contexts, while damnation can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
