persecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

"persecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is being treated cruelly or unfairly because of their race, beliefs, or other characteristics. For example, "The persecuted group of refugees had to flee their hometown due to escalating violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other words, "Persecution of minorities reduces not only the long-term wealth of the persecuted, but of the persecutors as well".* "Distrust in finance lingers: Jewish persecution and households' investments" by Francesco D'Acunto, Marcel Prokopczuk and Michael Weber.

The Economist

He said: "It's outrageous that students exercising their traditional democratic right to protest have been persecuted in this way".

The Guardian

Foreign diplomats were converging on Burma on Thursday, seeking to discuss the Asian migrant crisis which is widely believed to have its roots in the mass fleeing of the country's persecuted Rohingya minority.

The Guardian

Accepting the term means "you're persecuted as a national traitor", said Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the Golos Association, the only independent election watchdog in Russia, which was the first NGO added to the list of foreign agents in 2013.

The Guardian

The Google homepage picture, 124 years after his birth, pays tribute to a figure who was credited with fighting for a free India and for the rights of persecuted classes within the state, including the dalits or "untouchables".

The Guardian - Tech

The initiative is about keeping the stories of unjustly persecuted people alive, giving moral support, he added.

The Guardian

Amid improvements, one notable exception is the Baha'i faith, which is still banned and its followers persecuted and even imprisoned.

The Guardian

On the eve of his visit, Catholics across Bosnia dropped on their knees at an agreed time on Friday evening during candlelit vigils to pray for all those around the world persecuted for their faith.

The Guardian

According to the RSPB, the last two breeding pairs of hen harriers in England failed this year to produce eggs for the first time in 60 years and are now on the point of extinction because gamekeepers working for rogue moorland estate owners have systematically persecuted the bird to protect baby grouse which live on the moors.

The Guardian

In 2013, an MP said students were being persecuted for protesting and criticised heavy-handed policing.

The Guardian

Numerous reports since Friday documenting the existence of both boats – one of which departed from Tamil Nadu, southern India – have suggested that those on board are being transported to Sri Lanka with the co-operation of the Sri Lankan navy, an action the Australian Greens leader, Christine Milne, described as "sending the persecuted back to the persecutors".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about groups that have been "persecuted", provide specific details about the nature of the persecution to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations. Consider adding relevant historical information to provide a more informed perspective.

Common error

Be specific when describing instances of persecution. Avoid vague language that may minimize or misrepresent the experiences of those who have suffered. Always provide context and evidence to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The word "persecuted" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective. It describes a state of being subjected to mistreatment, oppression, or harassment, often due to one's beliefs, origin, or identity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates cruel or unfair treatment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "persecuted" describes individuals or groups subjected to unjust and cruel treatment, often due to their beliefs or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in news and media when reporting on human rights violations and social injustices. When discussing instances of persecution, specificity is vital to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations. While alternatives like "oppressed" or "victimized" exist, the most appropriate choice depends on the specific context. Remember to avoid generalizations when writing about "persecuted" groups and always provide context to support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppressed

Focuses on the exertion of unjust power and control.

victimized

Highlights the suffering and harm inflicted on an individual or group.

maltreated

Emphasizes the poor or abusive treatment received.

discriminated against

Indicates unfair treatment based on prejudice or bias.

harassed

Suggests persistent annoyance or intimidation.

tormented

Implies severe and prolonged suffering.

subjected to injustice

Highlights the lack of fairness and equity in treatment.

abused

Focuses on physical or emotional harm.

unfairly targeted

Highlights the biased selection for negative treatment.

wrongfully prosecuted

Implies legal action taken without just cause.

FAQs

How can I use "persecuted" in a sentence?

You can use "persecuted" to describe individuals or groups who have been subjected to unfair or cruel treatment due to their beliefs, origin, or identity. For example, "The refugees were "persecuted" for their religious beliefs".

What's a good alternative to "persecuted"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "persecuted" include "oppressed", "victimized", or "harassed". Choose the word that most accurately reflects the type of mistreatment experienced.

Is it correct to say someone feels "persecuted" even if they are not?

Yes, but it's essential to differentiate between feeling "persecuted" and actually being subjected to persecution. Feeling "persecuted" implies a subjective belief of unjust treatment, which may or may not align with objective reality.

What's the difference between "persecuted" and "prosecuted"?

"Persecuted" refers to being subjected to mistreatment and harassment, often due to identity or beliefs. "Prosecuted", on the other hand, refers to being formally charged and tried in a court of law. Someone can be "wrongfully prosecuted" and "persecuted" at the same time.