What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cisterna
Example
The cisterna collects rainwater to be used for irrigation. [cisterna: noun]
Example
The workers were cleaning the cisterna to ensure the water quality. [cisterna: noun]
reservoir
Example
The reservoir provides drinking water for the entire city. [reservoir: noun]
Example
The car's fuel reservoir needs to be refilled. [reservoir: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reservoir is more commonly used than cisterna in everyday language. Reservoir is a versatile term that can be applied to different contexts, while cisterna is less common and more specific to underground water storage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cisterna and reservoir?
Both cisterna and reservoir can be used in formal and technical contexts. However, reservoir is more widely recognized and used across different formality levels, making it more suitable for both formal and informal situations.