What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
offshoot
Example
The offshoots of the tree were trimmed to promote growth. [offshoot: noun]
Example
The company started as an offshoot of a larger corporation. [offshoot: noun]
Example
Her research was an offshoot of her previous work on the same topic. [offshoot: noun]
outgrowth
Example
The leaves were an outgrowth of the plant's stem. [outgrowth: noun]
Example
The tumor was an outgrowth of the abnormal cells. [outgrowth: noun]
Example
The conflict was an outgrowth of years of tension between the two groups. [outgrowth: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outgrowth is more commonly used than offshoot in everyday language. Outgrowth is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while offshoot is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between offshoot and outgrowth?
Both offshoot and outgrowth are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
