What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mote
Example
The sunbeam was filled with motes of dust. [mote: noun]
Example
She watched the motes of pollen float through the air. [motes: plural noun]
Example
He didn't care about the motes of criticism that were directed at him. [motes: plural noun]
particle
Example
The particle was too small to be seen with the naked eye. [particle: noun]
Example
The particle board was used to construct the shelves. [particle: adjective]
Example
The word 'not' is a particle that negates the meaning of the sentence. [particle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Particle is a more common word than mote in everyday language. Particle is used in a wide range of contexts, including science, technology, and linguistics, while mote is less common and is typically used in literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mote and particle?
Particle is generally considered a more formal word than mote. It is commonly used in scientific and technical writing, as well as in academic contexts. Mote, on the other hand, is more informal and is typically used in creative writing or poetry.
