What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
noumenon
Example
According to Kant, the noumenon is the thing-in-itself, which is unknowable by humans. [noumenon: noun]
Example
The noumenal world is the realm of pure ideas, beyond the phenomenal world of appearances. [noumenal: adjective]
essence
Example
The essence of a good story is conflict and resolution. [essence: noun]
Example
The essence of her argument was that we need to prioritize education. [essence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Essence is more commonly used than noumenon in everyday language. Essence is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while noumenon is less common and is typically used in academic or philosophical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between noumenon and essence?
Noumenon is a highly formal term that is typically used in academic or philosophical contexts. Essence, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
