What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostracizing
Example
The new student was ostracized by his classmates for being different. [ostracized: verb]
Example
The company policy of ostracizing employees who speak out against management has created a culture of fear. [ostracizing: present participle]
isolate
Example
The patient was isolated in a separate room to prevent the spread of infection. [isolated: past tense]
Example
The government's decision to isolate the country from the rest of the world has had severe economic consequences. [isolate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Isolate is more commonly used than ostracize in everyday language, especially in the context of health or safety measures. Ostracize is less common and tends to be used in more specific social situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ostracizing and isolate?
Both ostracize and isolate are formal words that are more likely to be used in serious or professional contexts than in casual conversation.
