What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
usurper
Example
The general was accused of being a usurper after he overthrew the government. [usurper: noun]
Example
The prince was considered a usurper because he took the throne from his older brother. [usurper: adjective]
imposter
Example
The man claiming to be a doctor was revealed to be an imposter after he failed to perform a simple medical procedure. [imposter: noun]
Example
She felt like an imposter when she was asked to speak at the conference, as she had no experience in the field. [imposter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imposter is more commonly used than usurper in everyday language. Imposter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while usurper is less common and typically used in political or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between usurper and imposter?
While usurper is typically associated with a serious and formal tone, imposter can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
