What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
device
Example
I use a device to monitor my heart rate while exercising. [device: noun]
Example
The new device can translate languages in real-time. [device: noun]
Example
The magician used a clever device to make the coin disappear. [device: noun]
apparatus
Example
The laboratory apparatus includes a microscope, centrifuge, and spectrometer. [apparatus: noun]
Example
The firefighters used a specialized apparatus to rescue the cat from the tree. [apparatus: noun]
Example
The gymnastics apparatus includes the balance beam, uneven bars, and vault. [apparatus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Device is more commonly used than apparatus in everyday language. Device is a versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while apparatus is more specialized and often used in technical or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between device and apparatus?
Apparatus is generally considered more formal than device and is often used in academic or technical writing. However, both words can be used in formal contexts depending on the context and audience.
