What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
litigant
Example
The litigant was represented by a team of experienced lawyers. [litigant: noun]
Example
The judge listened carefully to the arguments presented by both litigants. [litigants: plural noun]
plaintiff
Example
The plaintiff claimed that the defendant had breached the contract. [plaintiff: noun]
Example
The plaintiff's lawyer argued that the evidence clearly supported their client's case. [plaintiff's: possessive adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaintiff is a more commonly used term than litigant in legal contexts, especially in civil cases. Litigant is a broader term that can be used in various legal contexts, but it is less common than plaintiff.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between litigant and plaintiff?
Both litigant and plaintiff are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, plaintiff is a more specific legal term and is therefore more likely to be used in formal legal documents and proceedings.
