What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hinge
Example
The door was creaking on its rusty hinges. [hinges: noun]
Example
The success of the project hinged on the approval of the board. [hinged: past tense verb]
pivot
Example
The basketball player pivoted on one foot to avoid the defender. [pivot: verb]
Example
The CEO was the pivot of the company's success. [pivot: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hinge is more commonly used than pivot in everyday language, especially in the context of doors, lids, and other physical objects. Pivot is more commonly used in business, sports, and other contexts where a central figure or point is involved.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hinge and pivot?
Both hinge and pivot can be used in formal and informal contexts, but hinge is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
