What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intercalation
Example
The Jewish calendar has a leap year with an intercalation of an extra month. [intercalation: noun]
Example
The intercalation of a new layer of paint helped protect the wall from moisture. [intercalation: noun]
Example
The researchers used CRISPR technology to perform intercalation of a new gene into the DNA sequence. [intercalation: noun]
interpolation
Example
The weather forecast uses interpolation to predict the temperature at different times of the day. [interpolation: noun]
Example
The editor suggested the interpolation of a sentence to clarify the meaning of the paragraph. [interpolation: noun]
Example
The graph was smoothed by interpolation of additional data points. [interpolation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpolation is more commonly used than intercalation in everyday language. Interpolation has a wider range of applications and is used in various fields, including mathematics, statistics, and language. Intercalation, on the other hand, is less common and is mainly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intercalation and interpolation?
Both intercalation and interpolation are technical terms and are typically used in formal or academic contexts. However, interpolation may be used in more casual settings when discussing language or writing.
