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 over time. [fossils: noun]
vestige
Example
The ruins of the castle are the only vestige of its former grandeur. [vestige: noun]
Example
There was only a vestige of hope left after the team lost their star player. [vestige: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fossil is a more common word than vestige and is widely used in scientific and academic contexts. Vestige is less common but can be used in a variety of contexts, including literary or poetic ones.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fossils and vestige?
Fossil is typically associated with a formal or scientific tone, while vestige can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the writing or speech.
