What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wooer
Example
The wooer brought flowers and chocolates to his date. [wooer: noun]
Example
She was wooed by his sweet words and gestures. [wooed: past tense verb]
swain
Example
The swain serenaded his beloved under the moonlight. [swain: noun]
Example
She was flattered by the attention of her swain. [swain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wooer is more commonly used than swain in modern English, as it is a more versatile and gender-neutral term that can be used in various contexts. Swain is an older and less common word that may sound archaic or overly formal in some situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wooer and swain?
While both words have a somewhat formal tone, swain is more likely to be associated with poetry or literature, while wooer is more practical and straightforward, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.