What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heterogeneous
Example
The audience was a heterogeneous mix of people from different backgrounds and cultures. [heterogeneous: adjective]
Example
The soil was a heterogeneous mixture of sand, clay, and silt. [heterogeneous: adjective]
miscellaneous
Example
The box contained miscellaneous items such as pens, paper clips, and rubber bands. [miscellaneous: adjective]
Example
She had a miscellaneous collection of books on her shelf, ranging from cookbooks to science fiction novels. [miscellaneous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miscellaneous is more commonly used than heterogeneous in everyday language. Miscellaneous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while heterogeneous is more technical and specific.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heterogeneous and miscellaneous?
Heterogeneous is more formal and technical than miscellaneous, which is more casual and colloquial. Therefore, heterogeneous is more appropriate for academic or scientific writing, while miscellaneous is suitable for informal or everyday contexts.
