What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
talisman
Example
The athlete wore a talisman around his neck for good luck. [talisman: noun]
Example
She believed that the talisman would protect her from harm. [talisman: noun]
amulet
Example
The traveler wore an amulet to protect herself from danger. [amulet: noun]
Example
He believed that the amulet would bring him good fortune. [amulet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amulet is more commonly used than talisman in everyday language. Amulet is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while talisman is less common and refers to a specific type of object with a particular purpose.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between talisman and amulet?
Both talisman and amulet are associated with superstition and belief in the supernatural, making them more informal words. However, talisman may be considered slightly more formal due to its Arabic roots and historical associations with royalty and power.
