What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intersectional
Example
Intersectional feminism recognizes the ways in which race, gender, sexuality, and other factors intersect to shape experiences of oppression. [intersectional: adjective]
Example
We need to take an intersectional approach to understanding poverty, recognizing the ways in which economic disadvantage intersects with other forms of marginalization. [intersectional: adjective]
multifaceted
Example
The issue of climate change is multifaceted, involving scientific, political, economic, and social factors. [multifaceted: adjective]
Example
To fully understand the causes of the conflict, we need to take a multifaceted approach that considers historical, cultural, and political factors. [multifaceted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multifaceted is more commonly used than intersectional in everyday language, as it has a broader usage and is not limited to discussions of social justice and inequality. Intersectional is more commonly used in academic and activist contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intersectional and multifaceted?
Both intersectional and multifaceted can be used in formal and informal contexts, but intersectional may have a more specialized and technical connotation in academic and activist settings.
