What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adept
Example
She is an adept musician, able to play multiple instruments with ease. [adept: adjective]
Example
He quickly became adept at using the new software program. [adept: adjective]
expert
Example
She is an expert in the field of neuroscience, having published several research papers. [expert: noun]
Example
He is an expert programmer, able to write complex code with ease. [expert: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expert is more commonly used than adept in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Adept is less common but still widely understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adept and expert?
Expert is generally considered more formal than adept, and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe someone who is recognized as an authority or specialist in a particular field. Adept is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.