What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
igneous
Example
The igneous rocks in this area were formed from volcanic activity. [igneous: adjective]
Example
The igneous process involves the cooling and solidification of molten rock. [igneous: noun]
volcanic
Example
The volcanic ash covered the entire town after the eruption. [volcanic: adjective]
Example
The volcanic rocks were ejected from the volcano during the eruption. [volcanic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Volcanic is more commonly used than igneous in everyday language, due to its wider range of applications. However, igneous is more commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between igneous and volcanic?
Igneous is more formal than volcanic, due to its technical and scientific applications.
