What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mouse
Example
The mouse scurried across the floor and disappeared behind the bookshelf. [mouse: noun]
Example
Use the mouse to click and drag the file to the folder. [mouse: noun]
Example
He's such a mouse, always avoiding confrontation and conflict. [mouse: adjective]
rodent
Example
Rats, mice, and squirrels are all types of rodents. [rodents: noun]
Example
The farmer set traps to catch the rodents that were eating his crops. [rodents: noun]
Example
I don't trust him, he has a rodent-like quality to him. [rodent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mouse is more commonly used than rodent in everyday language, especially when referring to the computer input device or the small mammal. However, rodent is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mouse and rodent?
Rodent is a more formal word than mouse, and it is often used in scientific or technical writing. Mouse, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
