What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pestilence
Example
The pestilence of the Black Death killed millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. [pestilence: noun]
Example
The pestilence that swept through the city caused panic and chaos among the residents. [pestilence: noun]
epidemic
Example
The flu epidemic of 1918 killed millions of people worldwide. [epidemic: noun]
Example
The government declared a state of emergency in response to the growing epidemic of COVID-19. [epidemic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Epidemic is more commonly used than pestilence in everyday language. Epidemic is a more neutral and clinical term that is frequently used in news reports and public health discussions. Pestilence is a more archaic term that is less commonly used in modern contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pestilence and epidemic?
Both pestilence and epidemic are formal terms used in medical and public health contexts. However, epidemic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
