What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oppression
Example
The minority group faced oppression and discrimination for years. [oppression: noun]
Example
The government's policies were seen as oppressive and unjust. [oppressive: adjective]
tyranny
Example
The country was ruled by a tyrant who oppressed his people. [tyrant: noun]
Example
The citizens lived in fear of the government's tyranny and brutality. [tyranny: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oppression is a more commonly used term than tyranny in everyday language. Oppression is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while tyranny is less common and is typically used in discussions of politics and history.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oppression and tyranny?
Both oppression and tyranny are formal terms that are typically used in serious and academic contexts. However, tyranny has a stronger negative connotation and is often associated with more extreme and oppressive forms of government.
