What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oppression
Example
The government's oppression of minority groups has sparked protests across the country. [oppression: noun]
Example
She felt the weight of oppression as a woman in a male-dominated workplace. [oppression: noun]
repression
Example
He tried to repress his anger and remain calm. [repress: verb]
Example
The government used repression to silence dissenting voices. [repression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oppression is more commonly used than repression in everyday language, especially in discussions of social justice and human rights. Repression is more commonly used in academic or political contexts, particularly in discussions of authoritarian regimes or psychological repression.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oppression and repression?
Both oppression and repression are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, oppression may be more commonly used in everyday language and has a stronger emotional connotation than repression.
