What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lifetime
Example
She dedicated her lifetime to helping others. [lifetime: noun]
Example
The lifetime of a star can last billions of years. [lifetime: noun]
Example
Winning the championship was the achievement of a lifetime. [lifetime: adjective]
duration
Example
The duration of the movie was two hours. [duration: noun]
Example
The duration of the concert was three hours. [duration: noun]
Example
The duration of the flight was six hours. [duration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duration is more commonly used than lifetime in everyday language. Duration is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while lifetime is less common and is typically used in more personal or emotional contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lifetime and duration?
Both lifetime and duration are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.