What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purgatory
Example
The souls of the deceased were said to go to purgatory to atone for their sins. [purgatory: noun]
Example
She felt like she was in purgatory, waiting for the test results to come back. [purgatory: metaphorical]
underworld
Example
In Greek mythology, Hades ruled the underworld, the realm of the dead. [underworld: noun]
Example
The police are cracking down on the underworld drug trade. [underworld: criminal society]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underworld is more commonly used than purgatory in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purgatory and underworld?
Purgatory is typically associated with a more formal or religious tone, while underworld can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context.
