What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paranoiac
Example
The paranoiac believed that everyone was out to get him. [paranoiac: noun]
Example
She became increasingly paranoiac, convinced that her coworkers were plotting against her. [paranoiac: adjective]
delusional
Example
He was diagnosed with a delusional disorder after claiming to have supernatural powers. [delusional: adjective]
Example
The patient was experiencing delusional thinking, believing that he was being followed by the government. [delusional: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delusional is a more commonly used term than paranoiac in everyday language, particularly in the context of mental health disorders. However, both terms are relatively uncommon and may be considered technical or clinical language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paranoiac and delusional?
Both paranoiac and delusional are formal terms that are typically used in clinical or medical contexts. They may be considered too technical or clinical for everyday conversation.
