What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peccadillo
Example
Forgetting to return a borrowed book is just a peccadillo. [peccadillo: noun]
Example
She admitted to having committed a few peccadillos in her youth. [peccadilloes: plural noun]
indiscretion
Example
His indiscretion at the party cost him his job. [indiscretion: noun]
Example
She regretted her indiscretion in sharing confidential information with her colleagues. [indiscretion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indiscretion is more commonly used than peccadillo in everyday language. Indiscretion covers a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe a variety of negative actions or behaviors, while peccadillo is less common and may be considered outdated or formal in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peccadillo and indiscretion?
Peccadillo is generally considered more formal than indiscretion. It is often used in a moral or religious context and may not be as commonly understood by ESL learners compared to indiscretion, which is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.
