What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parachute
Example
He pulled the ripcord and his parachute opened, allowing him to float safely to the ground. [parachute: noun]
Example
She learned how to parachute during her military training. [parachute: verb]
Example
The company was in financial trouble, but a new investor came in at the last minute and acted as a parachute to save them from bankruptcy. [parachute: metaphor]
chute
Example
The workers loaded the gravel into the chute and it slid down to the truck waiting below. [chute: noun]
Example
He loves skiing down the steep chutes in the backcountry. [chute: noun]
Example
The cowboy used the chute to hold the bull still while he put on its harness. [chute: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chute is more commonly used than parachute in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and uses. Parachute is more commonly used in specific contexts such as extreme sports or emergency situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parachute and chute?
Both parachute and chute are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
