What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boomeranging
Example
He threw the boomerang and watched it boomerang back to him. [boomeranging: present participle]
Example
The decision to cut corners on safety measures boomeranged on the company when accidents increased. [boomeranged: past tense]
ricochet
Example
The bullet ricocheted off the wall and narrowly missed hitting him. [ricocheted: past tense]
Example
Her comment about his appearance ricocheted through the room, causing everyone to burst into laughter. [ricocheted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ricochet is more commonly used than boomeranging in everyday language. Ricochet is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including sports, firearms, and figurative language. Boomeranging, on the other hand, is less common and is mostly used in metaphorical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boomeranging and ricochet?
Both boomeranging and ricochet are relatively informal words. However, ricochet can be used in more formal contexts, such as technical or scientific discussions, due to its specific usage in fields like ballistics or physics.
