What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pillaged
Example
The invading army pillaged the town, taking everything of value. [pillaged: past tense]
Example
The pirates pillaged the ship, leaving nothing behind. [pillaged: verb]
plundered
Example
The barbarians plundered the city, taking all the gold and silver. [plundered: past tense]
Example
The thieves plundered the museum, stealing priceless artifacts. [plundered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plunder is more commonly used than pillage in everyday language. Plunder is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pillage is less common and is typically used in the context of war or conflict.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pillaged and plundered?
Both pillaged and plundered are formal words that are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts, such as historical accounts, news reports, or literature.
