What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inorganic
Example
Water is an inorganic compound. [inorganic: adjective]
Example
The geologist studied the inorganic materials found in the rock formation. [inorganic: noun]
synthetic
Example
The jacket was made of synthetic materials. [synthetic: adjective]
Example
The company specializes in producing synthetic fibers for clothing. [synthetic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Synthetic is more commonly used than inorganic in everyday language, especially in the context of consumer products and manufacturing. Inorganic is more commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inorganic and synthetic?
Both inorganic and synthetic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but inorganic is more commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, while synthetic is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.