What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crystalline
Example
The snowflakes were beautiful and crystalline. [crystalline: adjective]
Example
The scientist examined the crystalline structure of the mineral. [crystalline: adjective]
crystal
Example
The chandelier was made of crystal and sparkled in the light. [crystal: noun]
Example
The chemist grew a crystal in the lab to study its properties. [crystal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crystal is more commonly used than crystalline in everyday language. Crystal is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of objects, materials, and concepts, while crystalline is more technical and may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crystalline and crystal?
Crystalline is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while crystal can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and usage.
