What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colinear
Example
The three points A, B, and C are colinear. [colinear: adjective]
Example
The line segment AB is colinear with the line segment CD. [colinear: adjective]
coincident
Example
The two lines are coincident, meaning they overlap each other. [coincident: adjective]
Example
The timing of their arrival was coincident, as they both reached the destination at the same time. [coincident: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coincident is more commonly used than colinear in everyday language. Coincident has a wider range of applications and can be used in different contexts, while colinear is more specific to geometry and mathematics.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between colinear and coincident?
Both colinear and coincident are technical terms, but colinear is more specialized and formal due to its usage in geometry. Coincident can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile.
