Avenger vs Champion

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

Avenger

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Champion

Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Most common: Champion
 AvengerChampion
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //əˈvɛndʒə//🇺🇸 //əˈvɛndʒər//🇬🇧 /["/ˈtʃæmpiən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtʃæmpiən/"]/
MeaningA person who gets revenge for a wrong done to someone.A person who wins something or supports a cause.
ExampleThe avenger sought justice for the wrongs done to his family.She is the champion of the national tennis tournament.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsseek revenge, become an avenger, act as an avengergreat, supreme, true, become, be crowned, be named, defend her/​his title, fighter, jockey, sprinter
Antonymsvictim, perpetratorloser, defeated
Common mistakesConfused with 'adventurer' - both are related to action but have different meanings., Using 'avenger' as a verb; it is only a noun., Overusing in non-comic contexts, as it is often associated with superheroes.Confused with 'championship' which refers to the competition itself., Using as a verb instead of a noun; 'to champion' is correct but not always recognized.
Usage notesCommonly used in literary and superhero contexts; may not be appropriate in casual conversation outside those themes.Use 'champion' when discussing a winner in sports or competitions. It can also refer to someone who fights for a cause, but avoid it in very casual conversations.

See it in real clips

Avenger
Champion

Frequently asked questions: Avenger vs Champion

What's the difference between Avenger and Champion?

Avenger: A person who gets revenge for a wrong done to someone. Champion: A person who wins something or supports a cause.

Which is more common: Avenger and Champion?

Champion is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Avenger: The avenger sought justice for the wrongs done to his family. Champion: She is the champion of the national tennis tournament.

Can I use Avenger and Champion interchangeably?

Not always. Avenger and Champion 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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