What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orc
Example
The orc army marched towards the castle, ready for battle. [orc: noun]
Example
The player chose to play as an orc character in the game. [orc: adjective]
ogre
Example
The ogre guarded the bridge, refusing to let anyone pass. [ogre: noun]
Example
The teacher was described as an ogre by the students due to their strict rules. [ogre: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Orc is more commonly used than ogre in modern fantasy literature and games. Orcs have become a staple in the genre, appearing in many popular works such as The Lord of the Rings and Warcraft. Ogres, on the other hand, are less common and often associated with older folklore and fairy tales.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orc and ogre?
Both orc and ogre are informal words that are mainly used in the context of fantasy literature and games. However, orc is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including academic discussions and research papers on fantasy literature and culture.