What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cofounder
Example
Steve Jobs was one of the cofounders of Apple Inc. [cofounders: noun]
Example
She is a talented entrepreneur and a cofounder of a successful tech startup. [cofounder: noun]
founder
Example
Mark Zuckerberg is the founder of Facebook. [founder: noun]
Example
He founded his own nonprofit organization to help underprivileged children. [founded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Founder is more commonly used than cofounder in everyday language. Founder is a widely recognized term that has been used for a long time, while cofounder is a more specific term that gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the startup and technology sectors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cofounder and founder?
Both cofounder and founder can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, founder is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it suitable for both professional and casual conversations.