What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
looter
Example
The police arrested several looters who were stealing from the stores during the riot. [looters: plural noun]
Example
The looter was caught with stolen goods in his possession. [looter: singular noun]
pillager
Example
The Vikings were notorious pillagers who raided coastal towns and villages. [pillagers: plural noun]
Example
The army pillaged the city, taking everything of value and destroying what they couldn't carry. [pillaged: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Looter is more commonly used than pillager in everyday language, especially in the context of natural disasters or riots. Pillager is less common and is often used in historical or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between looter and pillager?
Both looter and pillager are informal words and are not typically used in formal or academic writing. However, pillager may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with historical or literary contexts.
