What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anecdotal
Example
The doctor shared some anecdotal evidence of patients who had success with the treatment. [anecdotal: adjective]
Example
I heard an anecdotal story about a man who claimed to have seen a UFO. [anecdotal: adjective]
subjective
Example
Art is a subjective experience, and everyone has their own interpretation. [subjective: adjective]
Example
Her opinion on the matter was subjective and influenced by her personal experiences. [subjective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subjective is more commonly used than anecdotal in everyday language. Subjective is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while anecdotal is less common and is typically used in discussions of evidence or data.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anecdotal and subjective?
Both anecdotal and subjective are relatively formal words that are often used in academic or professional contexts. However, anecdotal may carry a slightly negative connotation in these contexts due to its implication of unreliability.
