What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dextral
Example
He writes with his dextral hand. [dextral: adjective]
Example
The dextral side of the brain controls movement on the left side of the body. [dextral: adjective]
Example
The shell of this snail is dextral, meaning it coils to the right. [dextral: adjective]
clockwise
Example
Turn the knob clockwise to tighten it. [clockwise: adverb]
Example
The blades of the fan rotate clockwise. [clockwise: adverb]
Example
We need to follow the instructions in a clockwise order. [clockwise: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clockwise is more commonly used than dextral in everyday language. Clockwise is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dextral is more limited in its usage and mainly used in specific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dextral and clockwise?
Both dextral and clockwise are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
