What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extortionist
Example
The extortionist threatened to release the embarrassing photos unless he was paid a large sum of money. [extortionist: noun]
Example
She felt like she had no choice but to pay the extortionist to protect her business from harm. [extortionist: adjective]
thief
Example
The thief stole the woman's purse while she was distracted. [thief: noun]
Example
He was caught stealing from the store and was charged with theft. [theft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is a more common word than extortionist in everyday language. Thief is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while extortionist is less common and refers to a specific type of criminal activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between extortionist and thief?
Both extortionist and thief are associated with a formal and serious tone, as they refer to criminal activities. However, extortionist may be considered more formal due to its legal connotations and use in official documents.
