What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
optic
Example
The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain. [optic: adjective]
Example
She studied the optic properties of different types of lenses. [optic: noun]
visual
Example
The movie had stunning visual effects that captivated the audience. [visual: adjective]
Example
The presentation included several visual aids to help explain the concepts. [visual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Visual is more commonly used than optic in everyday language. Visual is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while optic is less common and typically used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between optic and visual?
Optic is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while visual can be used in both formal and informal contexts.