What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
downwind
Example
The smoke from the campfire blew downwind towards the lake. [downwind: adverb]
Example
We set up our tent downwind of the trees to avoid the gusts of wind. [downwind: adjective]
downstream
Example
The fisherman cast his line downstream and waited for a bite. [downstream: adverb]
Example
The town was built downstream from the dam to harness the power of the river. [downstream: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downstream is more commonly used than downwind in everyday language. Downstream is used in geography and environmental science, while downwind is more commonly used in weather reports and outdoor activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between downwind and downstream?
Both downwind and downstream are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
