What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forbidden
Example
Smoking is forbidden in this area. [forbidden: adjective]
Example
She felt a thrill doing something forbidden. [forbidden: noun]
taboo
Example
In some cultures, eating pork is considered taboo. [taboo: adjective]
Example
The topic of sex was considered taboo in her conservative family. [taboo: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Forbidden is more commonly used than taboo in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Taboo is more commonly used in academic or cultural contexts to describe specific cultural or social norms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forbidden and taboo?
Both forbidden and taboo are formal words that carry a negative connotation. However, taboo is more specific to cultural or social norms and is therefore more commonly used in academic or cultural contexts.
