What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dike
Example
The city built a dike along the river to prevent flooding during heavy rains. [dike: noun]
Example
The farmer dug a dike to divert water from the fields to the canal. [dike: verb]
barrier
Example
The police set up a barrier to keep the protesters away from the government building. [barrier: noun]
Example
The sound barrier protects the pilots from the loud noise of the engine. [barrier: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barrier is more commonly used than dike in everyday language. Barrier is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dike is more technical and specialized, mainly used in engineering and water management.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dike and barrier?
Dike is a more formal word than barrier due to its technical and specialized connotation. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
