What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paraphernalia
Example
The artist's studio was filled with all sorts of painting paraphernalia. [paraphernalia: noun]
Example
The detective searched the suspect's bag for any drug paraphernalia. [paraphernalia: noun]
Example
The hiker packed all the necessary camping paraphernalia for the weekend trip. [paraphernalia: noun]
gear
Example
The mountain climber wore all the necessary safety gear for the ascent. [gear: noun]
Example
The mechanic used specialized gear to fix the engine. [gear: noun]
Example
The cyclist adjusted the bike's gear for a smoother ride. [gear: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gear is more commonly used than paraphernalia in everyday language. Gear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while paraphernalia is less common and often associated with informal or creative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paraphernalia and gear?
Gear is generally more formal than paraphernalia, as it is often used in technical or mechanical contexts. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
