What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distensible
Example
The balloon is distensible and can be inflated to a large size. [distensible: adjective]
Example
The lungs are highly distensible and can accommodate large volumes of air. [distensible: adjective]
elastic
Example
The rubber band is elastic and can stretch and return to its original shape. [elastic: adjective]
Example
The economy is elastic and can adjust to changes in supply and demand. [elastic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elastic is more commonly used than distensible in everyday language. Elastic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distensible is less common and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distensible and elastic?
While distensible is typically associated with a technical and scientific tone, elastic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.