What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orphaned
Example
The orphaned child was taken in by a kind family. [orphaned: adjective]
Example
The baby elephant was orphaned when its mother was killed by poachers. [orphaned: verb]
Example
The company's orphaned project was picked up by a competitor. [orphaned: adjective]
deserted
Example
The deserted town was once bustling with activity. [deserted: adjective]
Example
The stranded hiker felt deserted by his companions. [deserted: verb]
Example
The deserted building was once a thriving business. [deserted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deserted is more commonly used than orphaned in everyday language. Deserted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while orphaned is less common and is typically used in specific situations involving loss or abandonment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orphaned and deserted?
Both orphaned and deserted are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
