What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
monolith
Example
The ancient monument was carved from a monolith. [monolith: noun]
Example
The company's policies were seen as a monolith, difficult to change. [monolith: adjective]
edifice
Example
The cathedral was an impressive edifice, towering over the city. [edifice: noun]
Example
The political party was seen as an edifice of power, built up over decades. [edifice: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Edifice is more commonly used than monolith in everyday language. Edifice is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while monolith is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between monolith and edifice?
Edifice is generally more formal than monolith. While monolith can be used in technical or specialized contexts, edifice is often associated with grandeur and formality, making it more appropriate for formal writing or speech.
