What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adit
Example
The miners entered the mine through the adit. [adit: noun]
Example
The adit was dug into the side of the mountain to provide access to the ore deposit. [adit: noun]
tunnel
Example
The train passed through the tunnel under the mountain. [tunnel: noun]
Example
The rabbit dug a tunnel in the ground to escape from predators. [tunnel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tunnel is a more common word than adit and is used in various contexts, including transportation, construction, and geology. Adit is less common and is mainly used in the mining industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adit and tunnel?
Both adit and tunnel are formal words and are typically used in technical or specialized contexts, such as mining, engineering, or geology.