What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
etalon
Example
The company uses an etalon to ensure the quality of their products. [etalon: noun]
Example
This painting is considered the etalon of the artist's work. [etalon: adjective]
prototype
Example
The engineers created a prototype of the new car model. [prototype: noun]
Example
This is a prototype design for the new website layout. [prototype: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prototype is more commonly used than etalon in everyday language. Prototype is a more general term that can be applied to many different contexts, while etalon is a more specific term that is used primarily in technical or scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between etalon and prototype?
Etalon is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while prototype is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.