What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shaman
Example
The shaman performed a ritual to heal the sick child. [shaman: noun]
Example
She learned from the shaman how to communicate with her ancestors. [shaman: noun]
spiritualist
Example
The spiritualist claimed to have communicated with the ghost of her deceased husband. [spiritualist: noun]
Example
He became a spiritualist after experiencing a near-death experience. [spiritualist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spiritualist is more commonly used than shaman in everyday language. Spiritualist is a more general term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts, while shaman is a more specific term used in certain indigenous cultures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shaman and spiritualist?
Both shaman and spiritualist can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but shaman may be perceived as more formal due to its association with specific cultural traditions.
