What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
javelin
Example
The athlete threw the javelin with great precision. [javelin: noun]
Example
He javelined the ball across the field to his teammate. [javelined: verb]
lance
Example
The knight charged with his lance towards the enemy. [lance: noun]
Example
She carefully lanced the blister to relieve the pressure. [lanced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lance is less commonly used than javelin in everyday language. Javelin is more versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lance is less common and refers to a specific type of weapon or tool.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between javelin and lance?
While javelin is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, lance is more formal and often used in historical or technical contexts.