What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outcast
Example
After the scandal, he became an outcast in the industry. [outcast: noun]
Example
She felt like an outcast at school because she didn't fit in with any of the cliques. [outcast: adjective]
pariah
Example
He was treated like a pariah after he was caught cheating on the exam. [pariah: noun]
Example
In some cultures, people with certain diseases are considered pariahs and are avoided by others. [pariah: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outcast is more commonly used in everyday language than pariah. Outcast is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while pariah is less common and may be considered more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outcast and pariah?
Pariah may be considered more formal than outcast, but both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
