What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legume
Example
Legumes are an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. [legumes: noun]
Example
The farmer planted a variety of legumes in his field this year. [legumes: plural noun]
lentil
Example
I made a lentil soup for dinner last night. [lentil: noun]
Example
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. [lentils: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lentil is more commonly used than legume in everyday language, especially in the context of cooking and recipes. However, legume is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, such as agriculture, nutrition, and biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legume and lentil?
Both legume and lentil are relatively formal terms that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, lentil may be more commonly used in cooking and recipe contexts, which can make it more accessible to everyday language use.