What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vixen
Example
The vixen darted across the field, her red fur shining in the sun. [vixen: noun]
Example
She's a vixen in the boardroom, always getting what she wants. [vixen: adjective]
Example
Don't mess with her, she can be a real vixen when she's angry. [vixen: noun]
virago
Example
She was a virago, leading her troops into battle with courage and determination. [virago: noun]
Example
Her virago personality made her a formidable opponent in negotiations. [virago: adjective]
Example
The old lady down the street was known for being a virago, always yelling at kids who played too close to her yard. [virago: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vixen is more commonly used than virago in everyday language, and it is often used to describe a woman's appearance or behavior in a negative way. Virago is less common and is more likely to be used to describe a woman's strength or heroism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vixen and virago?
Neither vixen nor virago are particularly formal or informal, but vixen may be more commonly used in casual conversation or in a flirtatious context, while virago may be more commonly used in academic or literary contexts to describe a heroic female character.
