What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epistolarian
Example
Jane Austen was an avid epistolarian, and her letters are considered literary treasures. [epistolarian: noun]
Example
The epistolarian style of writing is becoming less common in the age of digital communication. [epistolarian: adjective]
correspondent
Example
My pen pal and I have been corresponding for years, and we've become good friends. [corresponding: verb]
Example
The foreign correspondent reported on the political unrest in the region. [correspondent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Correspondent is more commonly used than epistolarian in everyday language. Correspondent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while epistolarian is less common and refers specifically to letter writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epistolarian and correspondent?
Both epistolarian and correspondent can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, correspondent is more likely to be used in professional or academic settings, while epistolarian is more likely to be used in literary or artistic contexts.