What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prole
Example
The proles worked hard in the factories to make ends meet. [proles: noun]
Example
He was born into a family of proles and had to work hard to get an education. [prole: adjective]
serf
Example
The serfs worked the fields from dawn till dusk, with little time for rest. [serfs: noun]
Example
She felt like a serf in her own home, always at the beck and call of her employer. [serf: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prole is a more commonly used word in modern English than serf, which is a term that is more associated with feudal societies and historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prole and serf?
Both prole and serf are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, serf may be considered more archaic and outdated than prole.