What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coemployee
Example
I have a great relationship with my coemployees at the office. [coemployees: noun]
Example
We are coemployees, so let's collaborate on this project. [coemployees: plural noun]
colleague
Example
My colleague and I are working on a research project together. [colleague: noun]
Example
She is a respected colleague in the field of medicine. [colleague: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colleague is more commonly used than coemployee in everyday language. Colleague is a versatile term that can be used to describe someone you work with in various contexts, while coemployee is less common and typically used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coemployee and colleague?
While coemployee has a slightly informal tone, colleague is generally considered more formal and professional. Colleague is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while coemployee is more commonly used in casual conversations or within a specific workplace setting.