What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insulation
Example
The insulation in the walls keeps the house warm in the winter. [insulation: noun]
Example
The company added extra insulation to their packaging to protect the fragile items during shipping. [insulation: noun]
isolation
Example
After the argument, she retreated into isolation and didn't speak to anyone for days. [isolation: noun]
Example
The scientist isolated the bacteria in a petri dish to study it more closely. [isolated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insulation is more commonly used than isolation in everyday language, especially in the context of construction and engineering. Isolation is less common and is typically used in more technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insulation and isolation?
Insulation is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in technical or professional contexts. Isolation can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific application or context.
