What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cocoon
Example
The caterpillar spun a silk cocoon around itself before transforming into a butterfly. [cocoon: noun]
Example
After a long day, I like to cocoon myself in a blanket and relax on the couch. [cocoon: verb]
chrysalis
Example
The caterpillar attached itself to a leaf and formed a chrysalis. [chrysalis: noun]
Example
She felt like she was in a chrysalis, undergoing a personal transformation. [chrysalis: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cocoon is more commonly used in everyday language, while chrysalis is less frequently used and more specific to the pupal stage of butterflies and moths.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cocoon and chrysalis?
Both cocoon and chrysalis are generally considered formal words, but cocoon is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including metaphorical ones.
