What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
formation
Example
The formation of the new company took several months. [formation: noun]
Example
The team's formation on the field was crucial to their success. [formation: noun]
configuration
Example
The configuration of the furniture in the room made it feel more spacious. [configuration: noun]
Example
The computer's configuration was causing it to run slowly. [configuration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Configuration is more commonly used than formation in technical or computer-related contexts, while formation is more versatile and can be used in various contexts related to creation or development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between formation and configuration?
Both formation and configuration can be used in formal or informal contexts, but configuration may have a more technical or specialized connotation that makes it more appropriate for formal or technical writing.