What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contraption
Example
The inventor proudly showed off his latest contraption, a machine that could peel potatoes in seconds. [contraption: noun]
Example
The contraption was so complex that it took hours to assemble all the parts. [contraption: noun]
gadget
Example
I love trying out new gadgets and seeing how they work. [gadgets: noun]
Example
The kitchen gadget made it easy to chop vegetables quickly and efficiently. [gadget: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gadget is more commonly used than contraption in everyday language. Gadget is a versatile word that covers a wide range of devices, while contraption is less common and often used to describe complicated or unusual machines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contraption and gadget?
While contraption is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, gadget is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.