What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nomological
Example
The nomological approach to psychology seeks to identify universal laws that govern human behavior. [nomological: adjective]
Example
The nomological framework provides a systematic way to understand the underlying principles of physics. [nomological: adjective]
legal
Example
The legal system in the United States is based on common law and statutory law. [legal: adjective]
Example
It is not legal to drive without a valid license. [legal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legal is a more commonly used word than nomological in everyday language. Legal is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while nomological is less common and is typically used in academic or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nomological and legal?
Both nomological and legal have a formal tone and are often used in academic or professional contexts. However, nomological is associated with a more technical and specialized vocabulary, while legal is more commonly used in everyday language.