What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
morphic
Example
The caterpillar undergoes a morphic transformation into a butterfly. [morphic: adjective]
Example
The rock's morphic properties allow it to change shape when exposed to heat. [morphic: noun]
formative
Example
Her formative years were spent in poverty, which shaped her perspective on life. [formative: adjective]
Example
The teacher provided formative feedback to help the student improve their writing skills. [formative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Formative is more commonly used than morphic in everyday language. Formative is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while morphic is less common and tends to be used in more technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between morphic and formative?
Both morphic and formative are relatively formal words, but morphic is more technical and specialized, while formative is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.