What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defendant
Example
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. [defendant: noun]
Example
The defendant's lawyer argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict. [defendant's: possessive adjective]
suspect
Example
The police have a suspect in custody for the robbery. [suspect: noun]
Example
I suspect that he is lying about his alibi. [suspect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspect is more commonly used than defendant in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts beyond legal cases. However, defendant is more specific and is used primarily in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defendant and suspect?
Defendant is a more formal term than suspect, as it is primarily used in legal contexts and carries legal implications. Suspect is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
