What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
joust
Example
The knights prepared for the joust by donning their armor and mounting their horses. [joust: noun]
Example
The two politicians jousted over tax policy during the debate. [jousted: past tense]
duel
Example
The two rivals agreed to a duel to settle their differences. [duel: noun]
Example
The two boxers dueled fiercely in the ring for the championship title. [dueled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duel is more commonly used than joust in everyday language. Duel has a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations, while joust is less common and mostly associated with medieval times or entertainment purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between joust and duel?
Duel is a more formal word than joust and is typically used in serious or professional contexts. Joust is more informal and can be used in playful or humorous situations among friends or colleagues.
