What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depriving
Example
The government is depriving citizens of their basic rights. [depriving: present participle]
Example
The thief was charged with depriving the store of its merchandise. [depriving: gerund]
dispossessing
Example
The landlord was accused of dispossessing tenants without proper notice. [dispossessing: present participle]
Example
The government dispossessed the indigenous people of their ancestral lands. [dispossessed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depriving is more commonly used than dispossessing in everyday language. Depriving is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dispossessing is more specific and often used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depriving and dispossessing?
Dispossessing is a more formal word than depriving, as it often involves legal or property-related matters. Depriving can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
