What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coterminal
Example
The angles 30 degrees and 390 degrees are coterminal. [coterminal: adjective]
Example
The expressions x + y and y + x are coterminal. [coterminal: adjective]
Example
The vectors AB and CD are coterminal. [coterminal: adjective]
coterminous
Example
The two countries are coterminous along their entire border. [coterminous: adjective]
Example
The terms 'freedom' and 'liberty' are coterminous in their meaning. [coterminous: adjective]
Example
The economic recession was coterminous with the political crisis. [coterminous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coterminous is more commonly used than coterminal in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications in various fields. Coterminal is more specialized and is primarily used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coterminal and coterminous?
Both coterminal and coterminous are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts. However, coterminous may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
