What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buoy
Example
The red buoy marks the entrance to the harbor. [buoy: noun]
Example
The fishermen tied their boat to the buoy to keep it from drifting away. [buoy: verb]
beacon
Example
The lighthouse beacon helped guide ships safely to the shore. [beacon: noun]
Example
Her smile was a beacon of hope in difficult times. [beacon: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buoy is more commonly used in maritime and nautical contexts, while beacon has a wider range of applications and can be used in various fields, including literature, technology, and symbolism.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between buoy and beacon?
Both buoy and beacon can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, buoy is more commonly associated with technical and specialized language, while beacon can be used in a broader range of formality levels.
