What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proprietor
Example
The proprietor of the restaurant greeted us at the door. [proprietor: noun]
Example
He is the proprietor of several rental properties in the city. [proprietor: noun]
Example
She is the proprietor of the patent for the new technology. [proprietor: noun]
boss
Example
My boss gave me a raise for my hard work. [boss: noun]
Example
He is the boss of the company and makes all the important decisions. [boss: noun]
Example
She told me what to do because she's my boss. [boss: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boss is more commonly used than proprietor in everyday language. Boss is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proprietor is less common and refers specifically to ownership or control of a business or property.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proprietor and boss?
While proprietor can be associated with a formal tone due to its legal connotations, boss is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
