What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gestation
Example
The gestation period for elephants is around 22 months. [gestation: noun]
Example
The idea for the new product has been in gestation for several years. [gestation: noun]
Example
The company's success was the result of a long gestation process. [gestation: adjective]
pregnancy
Example
She is in the early stages of pregnancy. [pregnancy: noun]
Example
The pregnancy was difficult, but she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. [pregnancy: noun]
Example
The air was filled with a sense of pregnancy, as if something exciting was about to happen. [pregnancy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pregnancy is more commonly used than gestation in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts. Gestation is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gestation and pregnancy?
Gestation is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while pregnancy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.