What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mercuric
Example
The mercuric oxide battery was commonly used in early telegraph systems. [mercuric: adjective]
Example
The mercuric chloride solution is highly toxic and should be handled with care. [mercuric: adjective]
mercurial
Example
Her mercurial temperament made it hard to predict her reactions to different situations. [mercurial: adjective]
Example
The stock market can be mercurial, with prices fluctuating rapidly based on news and events. [mercurial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mercuric is less common than mercurial in everyday language, as it is primarily used in scientific or technical contexts. Mercurial is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, making it more common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mercuric and mercurial?
Mercuric is more formal than mercurial, as it is primarily used in technical or scientific writing. Mercurial is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the writing or speech.
