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Coachpotato Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

criminal/offender

Another question on vocabulary. Sorry for so many questions today.

Could you tell me the difference between criminal and offender?

Thanks a lot.
  

Top answer

According to OneLook, it is quite simple-- an offender is one who transgresses moral or civil law, while a criminal is one who transgresses criminal law. I think that folks mix them up quite a bit, though. I would consider offender the more general term.

— Mister Micawber

  • According to OneLook, it is quite simple-- an offender is one who transgresses moral or civil law, while a criminal is one who transgresses criminal law.
  • I think that folks mix them up quite a bit, though.
  • I would consider offender the more general term.
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7 Answers
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According to OneLook, it is quite simple-- an offender is one who transgresses moral or civil law, while a criminal is one who transgresses criminal law. I think that folks mix them up quite a bit, though. I would consider offender the more general term.
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I think the difference is in the deed. A crime is something serious (doesn't have to be a murder, though), whereas an offend is pettier. A criminal is always an offender, but an offender is not necessarily a criminal.
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Hi,

Perhaps you need to ask a lawyer. Here's a grammarian's opinion.

criminal one who commits a crime. This is not normally said of someone who, for example, gets a a parking ticket.

offender One who offends someone / one who commits an illegal act. It might be said of someone who gets a parking ticket. However, i
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Hello, MM !

Greetings, Guru 3! Your shift; I am logging out for the night. Hold the fort.
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Will do my best! Sleep tight...
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Thanks for your answers.
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