What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
otter
Example
The otter swam gracefully through the river. [otter: noun]
Example
The otter used a rock to crack open the clam. [otter: noun]
weasel
Example
The weasel darted through the bushes in search of prey. [weasel: noun]
Example
The politician tried to weasel his way out of answering the question. [weasel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Otter is more commonly used than weasel in everyday language. Otter is a well-known animal that is often featured in popular culture, while weasel is less commonly depicted.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between otter and weasel?
Both otter and weasel are informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, otter may be considered slightly more formal due to its use in scientific and educational contexts.