What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mainframe
Example
The company uses a mainframe to process their financial transactions. [mainframe: noun]
Example
The mainframe architecture allows for efficient sharing of resources among multiple users. [mainframe: adjective]
server
Example
The website is hosted on a server that can handle high traffic. [server: noun]
Example
The server infrastructure allows for easy deployment and management of applications. [server: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Server is more commonly used than mainframe in everyday language. Server is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mainframe is less common and refers to a specialized type of computer system.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mainframe and server?
Both mainframe and server can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, mainframe is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone due to its specialized nature and usage in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government.