What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demote
Example
After the scandal, the CEO was demoted to a lower position. [demoted: past participle]
Example
The manager decided to demote the employee for consistently underperforming. [demote: verb]
relegate
Example
The company decided to relegate the project to a lower priority. [relegate: verb]
Example
The coach relegated the player to the bench due to poor performance. [relegated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relegate is more commonly used than demote in everyday language, due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between demote and relegate?
Both demote and relegate are formal words that are typically used in professional or organizational contexts. However, relegate may be slightly less formal due to its wider range of contexts and neutral connotations.
