What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acclimatization
Example
It takes time for the body to undergo acclimatization to high altitudes. [acclimatization: noun]
Example
The athletes underwent a period of acclimatization to prepare for the hot and humid weather. [acclimatization: noun]
habituation
Example
The loud noise no longer bothered me after a few days of habituation. [habituation: noun]
Example
The animals showed signs of habituation to the presence of humans in their habitat. [habituation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Habituation is more commonly used than acclimatization in everyday language. Habituation is a common phenomenon that occurs in many contexts, while acclimatization is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acclimatization and habituation?
Both acclimatization and habituation are formal words that are typically used in academic or scientific contexts.