What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ethanol
Example
The car runs on ethanol instead of gasoline. [ethanol: noun]
Example
Ethanol is commonly used as a solvent in the laboratory. [ethanol: noun]
Example
The beer contains ethanol, which is responsible for its intoxicating effects. [ethanol: noun]
alcohol
Example
Rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant. [alcohol: noun]
Example
The wine contains alcohol, which gives it its characteristic taste. [alcohol: noun]
Example
Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination. [alcohol: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alcohol is more commonly used than ethanol in everyday language, due to its wider range of connotations and uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ethanol and alcohol?
Ethanol is typically associated with scientific or technical contexts and is therefore more formal than alcohol, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
