What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desinence
Example
The desinence -ed is added to verbs to indicate past tense. [desinence: noun]
Example
In Latin, the desinence -us indicates a masculine noun. [desinence: noun]
termination
Example
The termination of the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. [termination: noun]
Example
The patient's condition worsened in the terminal stages of the illness. [terminal: adjective]
Example
Adding the termination -ment changes the verb 'govern' into the noun 'government'. [termination: suffix]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Termination is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while desinence is a more specialized term used primarily in linguistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desinence and termination?
Desinence is a more formal term used in academic and technical writing, while termination is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
