What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convection
Example
The soup heated up quickly due to convection currents. [convection: noun]
Example
The oven uses convection to evenly distribute heat throughout the cooking chamber. [convection: noun]
circulation
Example
Exercise improves blood circulation and overall health. [circulation: noun]
Example
The air conditioning system ensures proper circulation of cool air throughout the building. [circulation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circulation is more commonly used than convection in everyday language. Circulation has a broader range of applications and can refer to the movement of any substance, while convection is more specific to fluids or gases and is primarily used for heating or cooling purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between convection and circulation?
Both convection and circulation are technical terms that are commonly used in scientific and technical contexts. However, convection may be considered more formal due to its association with specific fields such as physics and engineering.