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"criminal" vs "offender"

Both 'offender' and 'criminal' are correct terms, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Offender' is a more general term that can refer to anyone who has committed a crime, while 'criminal' specifically refers to someone who has been convicted of a crime.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

criminal

The term 'criminal' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to someone who has been convicted of a crime.

Use 'criminal' to specifically refer to someone who has been found guilty of committing a crime.

Examples:

  • The criminal was sentenced to five years in prison.
  • He has a criminal record for theft.

Alternatives:

  • convict
  • felon
  • lawbreaker
  • wrongdoer
  • delinquent

offender

The term 'offender' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to someone who has committed a crime.

Use 'offender' to refer to someone who has committed a crime, regardless of whether they have been convicted or not.

Examples:

  • The offender was caught on camera committing the crime.
  • The police are searching for the offender responsible for the burglary.

Alternatives:

  • perpetrator
  • wrongdoer
  • lawbreaker
  • culprit
  • delinquent

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