What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
herbicide
Example
The farmer used an herbicide to control the growth of weeds in his fields. [herbicide: noun]
Example
She sprayed the herbicide on the garden bed to prevent the growth of unwanted plants. [herbicide: adjective]
pesticide
Example
The farmer used a pesticide to protect his crops from insect infestations. [pesticide: noun]
Example
She sprayed the pesticide around the house to keep the bugs away. [pesticide: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pesticide is more commonly used than herbicide in everyday language. Pesticide covers a wider range of contexts and can refer to various types of chemicals used to control pests, while herbicide is more specific and refers only to chemicals used to control unwanted plants.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between herbicide and pesticide?
Both herbicide and pesticide are formal terms used in technical and scientific contexts. However, pesticide is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while herbicide is less common and may sound more technical or specialized.
