What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nihil
Example
The philosopher argued for the concept of nihilism, stating that life has no inherent meaning. [nihil: noun]
Example
The artist's work explored themes of nihil and the void. [nihil: adjective]
annihilation
Example
The army's goal was the annihilation of the enemy forces. [annihilation: noun]
Example
The virus threatened the annihilation of the entire population. [annihilation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annihilation is more commonly used than nihil in everyday language, especially in contexts related to war, disaster, or science fiction. Nihil is a less common word that is typically used in philosophical or abstract contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nihil and annihilation?
Both nihil and annihilation are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, annihilation may be considered more formal due to its association with technical or scientific language.
