What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patriot
Example
He was a true patriot who fought for his country's freedom. [patriot: noun]
Example
She showed her patriotism by volunteering at the local veterans' center. [patriotism: noun]
loyalist
Example
The loyalists remained steadfast in their support of the monarchy during the American Revolution. [loyalist: noun]
Example
She was a loyalist to her boss and always followed his instructions. [loyalist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patriot is more commonly used than loyalist in everyday language. Patriot is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while loyalist is less common and often used in historical or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patriot and loyalist?
Both patriot and loyalist can be used in formal and informal contexts, but patriot is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.