What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fossils
Example
The museum has an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils. [fossils: noun]
Example
Paleontologists study fossils to learn about the evolution of species. [fossils: noun]
relic
Example
The cathedral is a relic of medieval architecture. [relic: noun]
Example
The typewriter is a relic of a bygone era. [relic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fossils are more commonly used than relics in scientific and educational contexts, particularly in the field of paleontology. Relics are more commonly used in historical and archaeological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fossils and relic?
Both fossils and relics can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fossils may be more commonly used in scientific or academic settings, while relics may be more commonly used in cultural or historical contexts.
