What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nullum
Example
The defendant argued that his actions were not illegal under the nullum crimen principle. [nullum: adjective]
Example
The nullum crimen principle is a fundamental aspect of modern legal systems. [nullum: noun]
null
Example
The database returned a null value for the requested field. [null: noun]
Example
The function returned a null pointer error due to an invalid input. [null: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Null is more commonly used than nullum in everyday language. Null is a versatile word that can be used in different contexts, while nullum is a specialized term used mainly in legal and academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nullum and null?
Nullum is typically associated with formal and academic writing, while null can be used in both formal and informal contexts.