What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outcastness
Example
His outcastness was evident in the way he avoided social gatherings. [outcastness: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of outcastness after moving to a new city where she didn't know anyone. [outcastness: noun]
ostracism
Example
The company's policy of ostracism towards whistleblowers was widely criticized. [ostracism: noun]
Example
He was ostracized by his former friends after he spoke out against their unethical behavior. [ostracized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ostracism is more commonly used than outcastness in everyday language. Ostracism is a well-known term that has been used in various contexts, including politics, social psychology, and workplace dynamics. Outcastness, on the other hand, is a less common term that is mainly used in academic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outcastness and ostracism?
Outcastness is a more neutral and less formal term than ostracism, which can carry a negative or punitive connotation. Ostracism is often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as legal or psychological documents, while outcastness is more commonly used in informal or creative writing.