What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
numerary
Example
The bank hired a numerary to keep track of their finances. [numerary: noun]
Example
The numerary system used in binary code is based on two digits, 0 and 1. [numerary: adjective]
Example
The Roman Empire used numerary coins as currency. [numerary: adjective]
numeral
Example
The numeral '5' represents the quantity of five. [numeral: noun]
Example
The Arabic numeral system uses ten digits to represent numbers. [numeral: adjective]
Example
The numeral 'X' represents the number ten in Roman numerals. [numeral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Numeral is more commonly used than numerary in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between numerary and numeral?
Numerary is more formal and technical than numeral, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.