What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peripetia
Example
The play's peripetia occurred when the main character discovered the truth about his past. [peripetia: noun]
Example
The novel's peripetia was a shocking revelation that changed the entire story. [peripetia: noun]
upheaval
Example
The country experienced political upheaval after the coup d'etat. [upheaval: noun]
Example
The company underwent an upheaval when the CEO resigned. [upheaval: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upheaval is more commonly used than peripetia in everyday language. Upheaval is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of changes or transformations, while peripetia is less common and is typically used in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peripetia and upheaval?
Both peripetia and upheaval are formal words that are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts. However, upheaval is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while peripetia is more limited in its usage.