What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oppressed
Example
The minority group has been oppressed for years, with limited access to education and job opportunities. [oppressed: adjective]
Example
She felt oppressed by the strict rules and regulations imposed by her parents. [oppressed: verb]
persecuted
Example
The religious minority was persecuted for their beliefs and faced violence and discrimination. [persecuted: adjective]
Example
He was persecuted for his political views and had to flee the country to avoid imprisonment. [persecuted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oppressed is more commonly used in everyday language than persecuted. Oppressed is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while persecuted is often used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oppressed and persecuted?
Persecuted is more formal than oppressed. It is often used in legal or academic contexts, while oppressed can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
