What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
libeled
Example
The newspaper libeled the politician by publishing false accusations. [libeled: past tense verb]
Example
The celebrity sued the magazine for libel after they printed untrue stories about her personal life. [libel: noun]
vilify
Example
The politician was vilified by his opponents during the election campaign. [vilified: past tense verb]
Example
The company's CEO was vilified by the media for his unethical business practices. [vilify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Libel is less commonly used than vilify in everyday language. Libel is a legal term that is often used in formal contexts, while vilify is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between libeled and vilify?
While libel is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, vilify can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.