What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hydrophobic
Example
The hydrophobic coating on the car's windshield repels water and prevents streaks. [hydrophobic: adjective]
Example
The protein's hydrophobic region avoids contact with water and is buried inside the molecule. [hydrophobic: noun]
nonpolar
Example
Oil is nonpolar and does not mix with water. [nonpolar: adjective]
Example
The carbon-hydrogen bond in methane is nonpolar because the electrons are shared equally. [nonpolar: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonpolar is more commonly used than hydrophobic in scientific contexts, especially in chemistry and physics. However, hydrophobic is still an important term in biology and biochemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hydrophobic and nonpolar?
Both hydrophobic and nonpolar are technical terms used in scientific contexts, and are therefore considered formal language.
