What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bony
Example
The old man had a bony face with sunken cheeks. [bony: adjective]
Example
She had a bony figure, with little body fat. [bony: adjective]
skeletal
Example
The doctor examined the patient's skeletal structure using an X-ray. [skeletal: adjective]
Example
The museum displayed a skeletal model of a dinosaur. [skeletal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bony is more commonly used than skeletal in everyday language, as it can be used to describe various aspects related to bones. On the other hand, skeletal is more specific and commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bony and skeletal?
While bony is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, skeletal is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as in medical or scientific discussions.
