What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diagram
Example
The teacher drew a diagram on the board to explain the water cycle. [diagram: noun]
Example
She diagrammed the process of photosynthesis in her notebook. [diagrammed: past tense verb]
schematic
Example
The engineer created a schematic of the electrical circuit. [schematic: noun]
Example
He schematized the design of the building to show the flow of people. [schematized: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diagram is more commonly used than schematic in everyday language, as it can be used in a variety of fields and contexts. Schematic is more commonly used in technical fields such as engineering and electronics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diagram and schematic?
Schematic is typically associated with a more technical and formal tone, while diagram can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
