What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
superstition
Example
She refused to walk under a ladder because of her superstitions. [superstitions: noun]
Example
He was superstitious about wearing the same shirt on game day. [superstitious: adjective]
lore
Example
The lore of the indigenous people was rich with stories of the land and its creatures. [lore: noun]
Example
He was well-versed in the lore of his ancestors and could recite their stories by heart. [lore: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superstition is more commonly used than lore in everyday language, especially in the context of irrational beliefs or practices. Lore is less common and is often used in academic or literary contexts to refer to traditional knowledge or stories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between superstition and lore?
While superstition is typically associated with an informal or negative tone, lore can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.