What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
actuary
Example
The actuary calculated the probability of a natural disaster occurring in the area. [actuary: noun]
Example
She is studying to become an actuary and hopes to work for an insurance company. [actuary: noun]
accountant
Example
The accountant helped the small business owner file their taxes. [accountant: noun]
Example
He works as an accountant for a large corporation and manages their financial records. [accountant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accountant is more commonly used than actuary in everyday language. Accountant is a versatile profession that is needed in many industries, while actuary is a specialized profession that is primarily associated with the insurance industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between actuary and accountant?
Actuary is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while accountant can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.