betrayal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'betrayal' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an act of treachery or disloyalty. Example sentence: His betrayal of his family was a serious breach of trust.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Politics

Music

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miller wanted to talk about the betrayal of all America.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the pages of Paris Match he described Marine's betrayal as "like learning that you have cancer".

The Guardian

Let that sink in for one second While the plot moves at breakneck speed through betrayal, blackmail, murder attempts and sex tapes, the script of The Royals is packed full of lines made for social media.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The play is about coal, fury, fire, families, friends, politics, betrayal, loyalty, sacrifice, guilt, bad behaviour and the beautiful, difficult, stonkingly exasperating country we are living in today.

The Guardian

She is drawn to extremes of experience – violence is a key motif, but so are betrayal and troubled sexuality.

The Guardian - Film

While it's based on the original Swan Lake, Maillot has used an edited version of the Tchaikovsky score, and collaborated with the writer Jean Rouaud to develop a story that filters the ballet's themes of love and betrayal, reality and illusion through a modern, erotic slant.

The Guardian

The betrayal has been happening for a long time but they showed their true colours at the referendum".

The Guardian

Ahern's expulsion had been proposed by current party leader Micheál Martin, who said the former prime minister was guilty of a betrayal of trust.

The Guardian

A superb screenplay, co-written by Odets, was the launchpad for Alexander Mackendrick's vividly achieved portrait of obsession and betrayal.

The Guardian - Film

"You can delete a billboard image but you can't erase betrayal.

The Guardian

It was clear from the beginning that Amanda was going through her own kind of torment about doing the diary, struggling to square her devotion to William Hague and the party with what she knew would be perceived by some as an act of betrayal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "betrayal", consider the emotional impact on the betrayed party. Describing their reaction can add depth and resonance to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "betrayal" to describe minor disagreements or disappointments. The term carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations involving a serious breach of trust or loyalty.

Linguistic Context

The word "betrayal" functions primarily as a noun, representing the act of betraying someone or something, or the state of being betrayed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the central concept of disloyalty or treachery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

10%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Music

5%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "betrayal" is a noun that denotes an act of treachery or disloyalty, frequently appearing in news, film, and political contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correct grammatical status of "betrayal". The frequency with which "betrayal" appears in various sources highlights its relevance in discussions about ethics, relationships, and power dynamics. When using "betrayal", it's important to consider the weight of the word and ensure its usage aligns with the seriousness of the situation. While synonyms like "treachery" and "disloyalty" exist, "betrayal" often carries a deeper emotional charge. Using alternative words can help you find even more expressive results through Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation of trust

Focuses on the broken confidence between parties.

act of disloyalty

Stresses the lack of allegiance or faithfulness.

breach of faith

Highlights the violation of trust and loyalty.

act of treachery

Emphasizes the deceitful and treacherous nature of the act.

defection

Implies abandonment of a cause or allegiance.

perfidy

A more formal term for deceitfulness and untrustworthiness.

double-crossing

Highlights the act of deceiving someone you are supposedly allied with.

sellout

Suggests sacrificing principles for personal gain.

deceit

Focuses on the act of misleading or hiding the truth.

treason

Implies a grave act of betrayal, often against a country.

FAQs

How can I use "betrayal" in a sentence?

You can use "betrayal" to describe an act of treachery or disloyalty. For example, "His "betrayal" of his friends was unexpected."

What's a good alternative to the word "betrayal"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "betrayal" include "treachery", "disloyalty", or "breach of faith".

Is "betrayal" always a conscious act?

Yes, "betrayal" typically implies a conscious decision to violate a trust or loyalty. Unintentional actions, while possibly harmful, are not usually described as "betrayal".

What emotions are typically associated with "betrayal"?

"Betrayal" is often associated with strong emotions such as anger, sadness, grief, and a profound sense of loss.