What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atavist
Example
The old house was filled with atavist furniture and decor, giving it a vintage charm. [atavist: noun]
Example
She had an atavist sense of style, often wearing clothes that were popular in the 1950s. [atavist: adjective]
throwback
Example
His retro hairstyle is a throwback to the 80s. [throwback: noun]
Example
The vintage car parked on the street is a throwback to a bygone era. [throwback: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Throwback is more commonly used than atavist in everyday language. Throwback is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while atavist is less common and has a more specific usage related to biology and genetics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atavist and throwback?
While atavist is associated with a more formal and scientific tone, throwback is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
