What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infringe
Example
The company was fined for infringing on the patent of a competitor. [infringing: verb]
Example
Downloading copyrighted material without permission is considered an infringement. [infringement: noun]
breach
Example
The employee was fired for breaching the confidentiality agreement. [breaching: verb]
Example
The data breach compromised the personal information of millions of users. [breach: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breach is more commonly used than infringe in everyday language, particularly in legal contexts. However, both words are important to know for anyone studying law or working in a legal field.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infringe and breach?
Both infringe and breach are formal words that are often used in legal or professional contexts. However, breach may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of applications and its use in contract law.
