What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misdeed
Example
The politician was accused of several misdeeds during his time in office. [misdeeds: plural noun]
Example
She regretted her misdeed and apologized for her actions. [misdeed: singular noun]
offense
Example
He was arrested for committing a serious offense. [offense: noun]
Example
She took offense at his comments and left the room. [offense: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offense is more commonly used than misdeed in everyday language. Offense is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while misdeed is less common and often used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misdeed and offense?
Misdeed is typically associated with a more formal or legal tone, while offense can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.