What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hamartia
Example
In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth's hamartia was his ambition and desire for power. [hamartia: noun]
Example
His hamartia was his inability to control his temper, which led to his downfall. [hamartia: noun]
fault
Example
It was my fault that we missed the train because I didn't check the schedule. [fault: noun]
Example
The car's brakes failed due to a manufacturing fault. [fault: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fault is a more common word than hamartia in everyday language. Fault is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hamartia is a more specialized term used primarily in literary analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hamartia and fault?
Hamartia is a more formal term than fault, as it is primarily used in the context of literary analysis and academic writing. Fault is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.