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 warmly at the door. [proprietor: noun]
Example
She is the proprietor of the trademark for that product. [proprietor: noun]
holder
Example
He is the holder of the key to the storage room. [holder: noun]
Example
She is the holder of several stocks in that company. [holder: noun]
Example
He is the holder of a PhD in physics. [holder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Holder is a more common word than proprietor in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between proprietor and holder?
Both proprietor and holder can be used in formal and informal contexts, but proprietor may be more commonly associated with formal or business language due to its specific connotations.