What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incubus
Example
The woman claimed she was visited by an incubus in her dreams. [incubus: noun]
Example
The financial burden of student loans can feel like an incubus on your back. [incubus: metaphorical usage]
Example
The writer's latest novel is an incubus that has been growing in her mind for years. [incubus: creative idea]
ghost
Example
The old mansion was said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner. [ghost: noun]
Example
The ghost of his past mistakes continued to haunt him. [ghost: metaphorical usage]
Example
The faded photograph was a ghost of the happy memories that had once been captured. [ghost: image]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghost is more commonly used than incubus in everyday language. Ghost is a popular belief in many cultures and has been widely used in literature and media, while incubus is less common and has negative connotations due to its association with sexual assault and oppression.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incubus and ghost?
While ghost can be used in both formal and informal contexts, incubus is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone due to its mythological origins.
