What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oppressor
Example
The government was seen as an oppressor by the people, who were tired of being mistreated. [oppressor: noun]
Example
The boss was accused of being an oppressor who used fear to control his employees. [oppressor: noun]
tyrant
Example
The king was known as a tyrant who ruled with an iron fist and showed no mercy to his subjects. [tyrant: noun]
Example
The coach was accused of being a tyrant who bullied his players and made their lives miserable. [tyrant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tyrant is less common than oppressor in everyday language, but it is more commonly used in historical and political contexts. Oppressor is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between oppressor and tyrant?
Both oppressor and tyrant are formal words that are typically used in serious and academic contexts, such as political science or history. However, tyrant may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with ancient Greek history and literature.
