What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vigilante
Example
The man was arrested for acting as a vigilante and taking matters into his own hands. [vigilante: noun]
Example
She decided to become a vigilante after her sister was mugged and the police did nothing. [vigilante: adjective]
guardian
Example
The parents appointed their best friend as the guardian of their children in case something happened to them. [guardian: noun]
Example
The security guard acted as a guardian of the museum's priceless artifacts. [guardian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guardian is more commonly used than vigilante in everyday language. Guardian is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while vigilante is less common and often associated with negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vigilante and guardian?
While guardian can be used in both formal and informal contexts, vigilante is typically associated with a more informal and sometimes negative tone due to its association with vigilantism and lawlessness.
