What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relegate
Example
The manager decided to relegate the new employee to a less important project. [relegate: verb]
Example
The CEO decided to relegate some of his duties to his assistant. [relegate: verb]
degrade
Example
The scandal caused the politician's reputation to degrade quickly. [degrade: verb]
Example
The quality of the product degraded after being exposed to extreme temperatures. [degraded: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Degrade is more commonly used than relegate in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and is more versatile. Relegate is less common and is typically used in professional or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relegate and degrade?
Relegate is more formal than degrade, as it is often used in professional or academic settings to describe a transfer of responsibility or authority. Degrade is more informal and can be used in various contexts, including everyday language and casual conversation.
