Cool MateProhibit vs Veto
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Veto
FormalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: Veto
| Prohibit | Veto | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ˈviːtəʊ//🇺🇸 //ˈviːtoʊ// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | To reject or prevent something from happening. |
| Example | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. | The president decided to veto the new legislation. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior | veto power, veto request, cast a veto, override a veto, veto authority |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, enable | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'ban' - 'prohibit' is often used in formal settings., Using 'prohibit' with an infinitive instead of a gerund (e.g. 'prohibit smoking' not 'prohibit to smoke'). | Confusing 'veto' with 'approve' or 'authorize'., Using 'veto' without specifying what is being vetoed., Assuming 'veto' is only used in political contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. | Used in formal contexts, particularly in politics. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Prohibit vs Veto
What's the difference between Prohibit and Veto?
Prohibit: To not allow something. Veto: To reject or prevent something from happening.
Which is more common: Prohibit and Veto?
Veto is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Veto: The president decided to veto the new legislation.
Can I use Prohibit and Veto interchangeably?
Not always. Prohibit and Veto 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.