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. [dike: noun]
Example
The farmer constructed a dike around his fields to keep them from flooding. [dike: noun]
Example
The workers dug a dike to drain the swampy area. [dike: verb]
embankment
Example
The train tracks run along an embankment to keep them level. [embankment: noun]
Example
The city built an embankment to protect the neighborhood from flooding. [embankment: noun]
Example
The workers created an embankment to prevent soil erosion. [embankment: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Embankment is more commonly used than dike in everyday language. Embankment is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dike is less common and refers specifically to flood control.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dike and embankment?
Both dike and embankment are formal words, but dike may be considered slightly more technical due to its specific use in flood control.
