What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
votary
Example
She was a votary of the Hindu faith. [votary: noun]
Example
He was a votary of environmental conservation. [votary: adjective]
fanatic
Example
He was a soccer fanatic and never missed a game. [fanatic: noun]
Example
Her fanatic devotion to her political party blinded her to other perspectives. [fanatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fanatic is more commonly used than votary in everyday language. Fanatic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while votary is less common and often associated with religious or spiritual devotion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between votary and fanatic?
Both votary and fanatic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but votary may be considered more formal due to its association with religious or spiritual devotion.