What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
echolocation
Example
Bats use echolocation to navigate and find insects in the dark. [echolocation: noun]
Example
The dolphin uses echolocation to locate fish in the ocean. [echolocation: verb]
sonar
Example
The submarine uses sonar to detect enemy ships. [sonar: noun]
Example
The fishing boat uses sonar to locate schools of fish. [sonar: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sonar is more commonly used than echolocation in everyday language, especially in technical and scientific contexts. Echolocation is a term more commonly used in biology and animal behavior studies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between echolocation and sonar?
Sonar is a more formal term than echolocation, as it is a technical term used in various fields such as military operations, oceanography, and fishing. Echolocation is a more casual term used primarily in biology and animal behavior studies.
