What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Olympus
Example
The ancient Greeks believed that the gods lived on Mount Olympus. [Olympus: proper noun]
Example
Olympus Mons is three times taller than Mount Everest. [Olympus Mons: proper noun]
Example
Winning an Olympic gold medal is the Olympus of athletic achievement. [Olympus: metaphorical use]
mountain
Example
We climbed to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise. [mountain: noun]
Example
The Appalachian Mountains stretch from Maine to Georgia. [mountains: plural noun]
Example
Learning a new language can be a mountain to climb, but it's worth the effort. [mountain: metaphorical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mountain is a more common word than Olympus in everyday language, as it is a versatile term that can be used in many contexts. Olympus is less common and more formal, often reserved for specific cultural or scientific references.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between Olympus and mountain?
Olympus is a more formal word than mountain, as it is often associated with specific cultural or scientific references. Mountain is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
