What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
downtrodden
Example
The downtrodden workers finally stood up to their exploitative employers. [downtrodden: adjective]
Example
She felt sympathy for the downtrodden and wanted to help them. [downtrodden: noun]
persecuted
Example
The religious minority was persecuted for their beliefs and faced constant discrimination. [persecuted: verb]
Example
She escaped from her home country after being persecuted for her political views. [persecuted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Persecuted is less commonly used than downtrodden in everyday language. Downtrodden is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while persecuted is typically reserved for more extreme cases of mistreatment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between downtrodden and persecuted?
Both downtrodden and persecuted are formal words that are often used in serious or academic contexts. However, persecuted may have a stronger connotation and may be more appropriate for situations that require a more forceful tone.
