What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tribalism
Example
Tribalism can be seen in sports fans who are fiercely loyal to their team. [tribalism: noun]
Example
The political party was accused of tribalism for only supporting policies that benefit their own constituents. [tribalism: noun]
sectarianism
Example
Sectarianism has led to conflicts between different religious groups in many parts of the world. [sectarianism: noun]
Example
The school was criticized for promoting sectarianism by only hiring teachers from a specific religious background. [sectarianism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tribalism is more commonly used than sectarianism in everyday language. Tribalism is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while sectarianism is more specific to religious identity and is often used in academic or religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tribalism and sectarianism?
Both tribalism and sectarianism can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, sectarianism may be perceived as more formal due to its association with religion and academic discourse.
