What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stowaway
Example
The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold of the ship. [stowaway: noun]
Example
He tried to stowaway on the train but was caught by the conductor. [stowaway: verb]
trespasser
Example
The sign clearly stated 'No Trespassing' but the man ignored it and entered the property anyway. [trespasser: noun]
Example
She was arrested for trespassing on government property. [trespassing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trespasser is more commonly used than stowaway in everyday language. Trespasser is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stowaway is less common and refers to a specific type of illegal activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stowaway and trespasser?
Both stowaway and trespasser are generally considered informal words, but stowaway may be used in more formal contexts when discussing legal or transportation-related issues.
