What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insecticide
Example
The farmer sprayed the crops with insecticide to protect them from pests. [insecticide: noun]
Example
The exterminator used an insecticide to get rid of the ants in the kitchen. [insecticide: noun]
pesticide
Example
The farmer used a pesticide to control the weeds in the field. [pesticide: noun]
Example
The homeowner hired a pest control company to spray the house with a pesticide to get rid of the mice. [pesticide: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pesticide is more commonly used than insecticide in everyday language. Pesticide is a more general term that covers a wider range of pests, while insecticide is more specific to insect control.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insecticide and pesticide?
Both insecticide and pesticide are formal terms used in scientific and technical contexts. However, pesticide is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
