What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
geek
Example
He's a computer geek who can fix any tech problem. [geek: noun]
Example
She geeks out over Star Wars trivia. [geeks out: verb]
fanatic
Example
He's a soccer fanatic who never misses a game. [fanatic: noun]
Example
She's so fanatic about her diet that she won't eat anything that's not organic. [fanatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Geek is more commonly used than fanatic in everyday language, especially in positive contexts. Fanatic is less common and often carries negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between geek and fanatic?
Both geek and fanatic are informal words, but fanatic can be more extreme and therefore less appropriate in formal contexts.
