What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hive
Example
The beekeeper checked the hive for honey production. [hive: noun]
Example
The office was a hive of activity as everyone worked on their projects. [hive: metaphorical use]
colony
Example
The colony of penguins huddled together to keep warm. [colony: noun]
Example
The British established a colony in India during the colonial era. [colony: historical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colony is more commonly used than hive in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and can refer to various types of living organisms and social groups. Hive is more specific and less commonly used outside of contexts related to beekeeping or metaphorical use.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hive and colony?
Both hive and colony can be used in formal and informal contexts, although colony may be more commonly used in academic or historical contexts due to its association with colonization and imperialism.
