What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bounce
Example
The basketball bounced off the rim and into the net. [bounce: verb]
Example
The kids were bouncing on the trampoline, having a great time. [bouncing: gerund or present participle]
ricochet
Example
The bullet ricocheted off the wall and narrowly missed hitting the target. [ricochet: verb]
Example
The stone ricocheted across the water, creating ripples. [ricocheting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bounce is more commonly used than ricochet in everyday language. Bounce is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ricochet is less common and tends to be associated with specific situations involving projectiles or bullets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bounce and ricochet?
While bounce is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, ricochet is more specific and can be employed in more formal contexts, especially when discussing physics or ballistics.
