What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
isoline
Example
The isoline on the map shows the areas with the same elevation. [isoline: noun]
Example
The isolines on the graph indicate the points with the same temperature. [isolines: plural noun]
isobar
Example
The isobars on the weather map show the areas with the same atmospheric pressure. [isobars: plural noun]
Example
The isobar on the graph indicates the points with the same pressure. [isobar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Isobar is more commonly used than isoline in meteorology and related fields. Isoline is less common and is mostly used in geography and cartography.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isoline and isobar?
Both isoline and isobar are formal terms used in scientific fields. However, isobar is more commonly used and may be more familiar to people outside of the scientific community.
