What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictator
Example
The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist. [dictator: noun]
Example
She acted like a dictator, making all the decisions without consulting anyone else. [dictator: adjective]
totalitarian
Example
The country was under a totalitarian regime that censored all media and controlled all aspects of life. [totalitarian: adjective]
Example
The novel depicts a dystopian society under a totalitarian government. [totalitarian: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dictator is a more common word than totalitarian in everyday language, as it can be used to describe various types of leaders or situations. Totalitarian is a more specialized term that is typically used in academic or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictator and totalitarian?
Totalitarian is a more formal word than dictator, as it is a technical term used in political science and history. Dictator can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
