What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
predatory
Example
The lion is a predatory animal that hunts for its food. [predatory: adjective]
Example
The company engaged in predatory lending practices, taking advantage of vulnerable customers. [predatory: adjective]
preying
Example
The hawk was preying on the small rodents in the field. [preying: verb]
Example
The scam artist was preying on the elderly, tricking them into giving away their life savings. [preying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predatory is more commonly used than preying in everyday language. Predatory is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preying is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between predatory and preying?
Both predatory and preying are typically associated with an informal tone, but predatory can also be used in formal contexts when describing business practices or legal issues.
