What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aerial
Example
The aerial view of the city was breathtaking. [aerial: adjective]
Example
The gymnast performed an impressive aerial. [aerial: noun]
Example
The TV station installed a new aerial to improve their signal reception. [aerial: noun]
airborne
Example
The paratroopers were airborne for several hours before landing behind enemy lines. [airborne: adjective]
Example
The airborne division was deployed to the conflict zone. [airborne: adjective]
Example
The flu virus can be transmitted through airborne droplets. [airborne: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Airborne is more commonly used than aerial in everyday language, especially in the context of military operations or disease transmission. Aerial is less common and often used in specific contexts such as photography, broadcasting, or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aerial and airborne?
Both aerial and airborne can be used in formal or informal contexts, but aerial may have a slightly more formal tone due to its association with technical or specialized fields such as broadcasting or photography.
