What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distributary
Example
The Nile River has several distributaries that flow into the Mediterranean Sea. [distributary: noun]
Example
The irrigation system uses a network of distributaries to supply water to the crops. [distributaries: plural noun]
tributary
Example
The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River. [tributary: noun]
Example
The small creek is a tributary that feeds into the main river. [tributary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tributary is more commonly used than distributary in everyday language. Tributary is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while distributary is a more specific term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distributary and tributary?
Both distributary and tributary are formal terms that are typically used in scientific or technical contexts related to geography, hydrology, or ecology.
