What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
basin
Example
She filled the basin with warm water to wash her hands. [basin: noun]
Example
The river flows through a wide basin surrounded by mountains. [basin: noun]
sink
Example
I need to wash these dirty dishes in the sink. [sink: noun]
Example
The ship began to sink after hitting an iceberg. [sink: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sink is a more commonly used term in everyday language, especially in the context of kitchen or bathroom fixtures. Basin is less commonly used and has a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between basin and sink?
While basin is associated with a more formal and traditional tone, sink is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
