What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depredated
Example
The village was depredated by the enemy soldiers, leaving nothing but ruins. [depredated: past tense]
Example
The farmer's fields were depredated by wild boars, causing significant damage to his crops. [depredated: past participle]
looted
Example
The store was looted during the protest, with many valuable items stolen. [looted: past tense]
Example
The museum's collection was looted by thieves, who made off with several priceless artifacts. [looted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Looted is more commonly used than depredated in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between depredated and looted?
Looted is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it has stronger legal implications and is often used in news reports or legal documents. Depredated is less common and is typically associated with a more informal or technical tone, used primarily in specific contexts such as environmental studies or wildlife management.