What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
navigator
Example
The navigator plotted the course for the ship to avoid the storm. [navigator: noun]
Example
She used her skills as a navigator to guide the group through the dense forest. [navigator: noun]
pilot
Example
The pilot announced that we would be landing in ten minutes. [pilot: noun]
Example
He piloted the plane through the storm with great skill. [piloted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pilot is more commonly used than navigator in everyday language. Pilot is a well-known profession that is often portrayed in popular media, while navigator is less common and may be associated with historical or nautical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between navigator and pilot?
Both navigator and pilot can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, pilot may be more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, such as business or technology, while navigator may be more specific to transportation or nautical contexts.