What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neology
Example
The professor's research focuses on neology, particularly the emergence of new words in the digital age. [neology: noun]
Example
The author's neology has been praised for its creativity and linguistic innovation. [neology: noun]
neologism
Example
The term 'selfie' is a neologism that has become widely popular in recent years. [neologism: noun]
Example
The comedian's routine was filled with clever neologisms that had the audience laughing. [neologisms: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neologism is more commonly used than neology in everyday language, especially in popular culture and media. Neologism is often used to describe new words or phrases that have entered common usage or to highlight creative or innovative language use.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between neology and neologism?
Neology is a more formal term that is typically used in academic or professional contexts, while neologism is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.