What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anvil
Example
The blacksmith used the anvil to shape the red-hot iron into a horseshoe. [anvil: noun]
Example
She leaned on him like an anvil, always there to provide support and stability. [anvil: simile]
Example
The meeting served as an anvil for testing and refining our business strategies. [anvil: metaphor]
die
Example
The jeweler used a die to stamp intricate patterns onto the silver pendant. [die: noun]
Example
The flame slowly died out as the wind blew stronger. [died: past tense]
Example
She used a cookie cutter in the shape of a star to cut out the dough. [die: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Die is more commonly used than anvil in everyday language. Die has a wider range of applications in various industries, while anvil is more specific to blacksmithing and metalworking contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anvil and die?
Both anvil and die are generally considered formal words. However, die may be more commonly used in informal contexts due to its broader usage in everyday language.