Cool MateCrime vs Misdemeanor
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Crime
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Misdemeanor
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: MisdemeanorMost common: Crime
| Crime | Misdemeanor | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kraɪm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kraɪm/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnə//🇺🇸 //ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər// |
| Meaning | An action that is against the law. | A minor crime or wrongdoing. |
| Example | The crime wave in the city has made residents feel unsafe. | He was charged with a misdemeanor for public intoxication. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | serious, petty, non-violent, carry out, commit, perpetrate, double, increase, rise, figures, level, rate, a crackdown on crime, crime and disorder, crime and punishment, appalling, awful, bloody, carry out, commit, do, involve something, happen, occur, scene, victim, suspect, crime against, a crime of passion, a crime of violence, the scene of the crime | commit a misdemeanor, misdemeanor charge, minor misdemeanor, misdemeanor offense, have a misdemeanor |
| Antonyms | honesty, virtue, goodness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'criminal' — 'crime' refers to the act, while 'criminal' refers to the person., Using 'crime' as a verb incorrectly — it is a noun., Saying 'crimes' too freely without specifying type can cause confusion. | Confused with 'felony' which is a more serious crime., Using it in casual conversation instead of formal discussions., Incorrectly assuming all crimes are considered misdemeanors. |
| Usage notes | Use 'crime' in discussions about law or wrongdoing. More formal in legal contexts but acceptable in everyday conversation when referring to illegal actions. | Use 'misdemeanor' in formal legal contexts. It usually refers to less serious crimes, different from felonies. |
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Frequently asked questions: Crime vs Misdemeanor
What's the difference between Crime and Misdemeanor?
Crime: An action that is against the law. Misdemeanor: A minor crime or wrongdoing.
Which is more formal: Crime and Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanor is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Crime and Misdemeanor?
Crime is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Crime: The crime wave in the city has made residents feel unsafe. Misdemeanor: He was charged with a misdemeanor for public intoxication.
Can I use Crime and Misdemeanor interchangeably?
Not always. Crime and Misdemeanor 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.