What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foundling
Example
The police found a foundling on the doorstep of the church. [foundling: noun]
Example
She was raised in an orphanage as a foundling with no knowledge of her biological parents. [foundling: adjective]
orphan
Example
After the earthquake, many children were left orphaned and alone. [orphaned: verb]
Example
He grew up as an orphan after his parents died in a car accident. [orphan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Orphan is more commonly used than foundling in everyday language. Orphan is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while foundling is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foundling and orphan?
Foundling may be considered more formal or literary due to its less common usage, while orphan is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
