What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
halo
Example
The painting depicted an angel with a golden halo above its head. [halo: noun]
Example
The sun was surrounded by a beautiful halo during the eclipse. [halo: noun]
nimbus
Example
The god was depicted with a nimbus around his head, signifying his divine status. [nimbus: noun]
Example
The sky was dark and ominous with nimbus clouds gathering on the horizon. [nimbus: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Halo is a more common word than nimbus in everyday language, especially in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between halo and nimbus?
Both halo and nimbus are formal words that are often used in artistic, literary, or religious contexts.