What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lifelike
Example
The painting was so lifelike that it seemed as if the animals were about to jump out of the canvas. [lifelike: adjective]
Example
The robot's movements were so lifelike that it was difficult to tell it apart from a human. [lifelike: adjective]
realistic
Example
The movie's special effects were so realistic that it felt like we were actually there. [realistic: adjective]
Example
The novel's characters and situations were so realistic that it was easy to relate to them. [realistic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Realistic is more commonly used than lifelike in everyday language. Realistic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lifelike is less common and is often used in artistic or visual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lifelike and realistic?
Both lifelike and realistic can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but realistic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
