Feud vs Vendetta

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Feud

Top 2,000 (common)

Vendetta

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Feud
 FeudVendetta
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //fjuːd//🇺🇸 //fjuːd//🇬🇧 //vɛnˈdɛtə//🇺🇸 //vɛnˈdɛtə//
MeaningA long and angry fight between two groups or people.A strong desire for revenge against someone.
ExampleThe two families have been engaged in a feud for generations.Their family has held a vendetta against each other for generations.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocationsfamily feud, long-standing feud, bitter feud, feud over land, ongoing feudcarry out a vendetta, feud and vendetta, personal vendetta, vengeful vendetta, ongoing vendetta
Antonymsharmony, peaceforgiveness, reconciliation, peace
Common mistakesConfusing with 'fued' - correct spelling is 'feud'., Using 'feud' as a verb; it is primarily a noun., Incorrectly thinking it applies only to personal conflicts; can also describe group disputes.Using 'vendetta' to describe any argument, not just serious revenge., Confusing 'vendetta' with 'vendetta' as a simple disagreement., Incorrectly using 'vendetta' in a casual context.
Usage notesUsed in both formal and informal contexts, often about family or community disagreements. Avoid in casual conversation unless relevant.Often used in a serious context to describe feuds or personal rivalries. More common in narratives and discussions about conflicts.

See it in real clips

Feud
Vendetta

Frequently asked questions: Feud vs Vendetta

What's the difference between Feud and Vendetta?

Feud: A long and angry fight between two groups or people. Vendetta: A strong desire for revenge against someone.

Which is more common: Feud and Vendetta?

Feud is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Feud: The two families have been engaged in a feud for generations. Vendetta: Their family has held a vendetta against each other for generations.

Can I use Feud and Vendetta interchangeably?

Not always. Feud and Vendetta 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.

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