What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
borealis
Example
We were lucky to witness the borealis during our trip to Alaska. [borealis: noun]
Example
The borealis illuminated the sky with vibrant colors of green and purple. [borealis: adjective]
aurora
Example
The aurora danced across the night sky, creating a magical spectacle. [aurora: noun]
Example
We were amazed by the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis. [aurora: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aurora is more commonly used than borealis in everyday language. Aurora is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while borealis is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between borealis and aurora?
While borealis is more formal and scientific-sounding, aurora is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
