What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outskirt
Example
The new housing development is on the outskirts of town. [outskirts: noun]
Example
We went for a walk in the outskirt areas of the city. [outskirt: plural noun]
periphery
Example
The periphery of the painting was damaged in transit. [periphery: noun]
Example
The periphery of the city is less developed than the downtown area. [periphery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outskirt is less commonly used than periphery in everyday language. Periphery is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while outskirt is more specific and often used in the plural form to describe the surrounding areas of a town or city.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outskirt and periphery?
Both outskirt and periphery are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
