What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
transgressed
Example
He transgressed the company's code of conduct by accepting bribes. [transgressed: verb]
Example
The athlete transgressed the rules of the game by using performance-enhancing drugs. [transgressed: past tense]
disobeyed
Example
The child disobeyed her parents by staying up late. [disobeyed: verb]
Example
The driver was fined for disobeying the traffic signal. [disobeying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disobey is more commonly used than transgress in everyday language. Disobey is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while transgress is less common and has a more formal or serious tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between transgressed and disobeyed?
Transgress is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, while disobey can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
