Cool MateBetray vs I let you all down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Betray
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
I let you all down
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: BetrayMost common: Betray
| Betray | I let you all down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɪˈtreɪ//🇺🇸 //bɪˈtreɪ// | 🇬🇧 //aɪ lɛt juː ɔːl daʊn//🇺🇸 //aɪ lɛt juː ɔl daʊn// |
| Meaning | to be disloyal or break trust | I disappointed everyone. |
| Example | She felt that her best friend would never betray her trust. | After I missed the important meeting, I let you all down. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | betray someone's trust, betray a confidence, betray an ally, betray one's country, betray one's beliefs | let down expectations, let down a team, let down friends, let down deeply, let down completely |
| Antonyms | loyalty, faithfulness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'betrayal' which is a noun., Using it without a clear object; it needs something/someone to betray., Mixing up emotional contexts; 'betray' often carries heavy emotional significance. | Saying 'let down' instead of 'let you all down' when referring to a group., Using 'let' in a positive context instead of acknowledging disappointment., Confusing 'let down' with other phrases like 'let go' or 'let in'. |
| Usage notes | Generally used in formal contexts, it refers to a breach of trust. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use this phrase when expressing regret for not meeting expectations. It's suitable in both personal and professional contexts but avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Betray vs I let you all down
What's the difference between Betray and I let you all down?
Betray: to be disloyal or break trust I let you all down: I disappointed everyone.
Which is more formal: Betray and I let you all down?
Betray is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Betray and I let you all down?
Betray is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Betray: She felt that her best friend would never betray her trust. I let you all down: After I missed the important meeting, I let you all down.
Can I use Betray and I let you all down interchangeably?
Not always. Betray and I let you all down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.