What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostracize
Example
After the scandal, the celebrity was ostracized by the entertainment industry. [ostracized: verb]
Example
The student was ostracized by her classmates for being different. [ostracized: past participle]
banish
Example
The king banished his advisor for betraying him. [banished: verb]
Example
The criminal was banished from the city after serving his sentence. [banished: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banish is less commonly used than ostracize in everyday language. Ostracize is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while banish is more specific and often used in legal or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ostracize and banish?
Banish is typically associated with a formal or legal tone, while ostracize can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
