What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
notch
Example
He made a small notch in the wood with his saw. [notch: noun]
Example
She notched up another win in her tennis career. [notched: past tense verb]
groove
Example
The vinyl record had a deep groove that the needle followed. [groove: noun]
Example
The band played a funky groove that got everyone dancing. [groove: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Groove is more commonly used than notch in everyday language. Groove has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while notch is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between notch and groove?
While notch is typically associated with a technical or formal tone, groove is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.