What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
friction
Example
The friction between the tires and the road caused the car to slow down. [friction: noun]
Example
There was friction between the two coworkers due to a misunderstanding. [friction: noun]
resistance
Example
The resistance of the wire caused the circuit to fail. [resistance: noun]
Example
The workers put up resistance against the new company policies. [resistance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resistance is more commonly used than friction in everyday language. Resistance is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while friction is more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between friction and resistance?
Both friction and resistance can be used in formal and informal contexts, but friction is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while resistance is more commonly used in social or psychological contexts.
