What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
particle
Example
The air was filled with particles of dust and debris. [particle: noun]
Example
The chemist studied the properties of individual particles in the solution. [particles: plural noun]
molecule
Example
Water is made up of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule. [molecule: noun]
Example
The scientist studied the molecular structure of the protein. [molecular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Particle is more commonly used than molecule in everyday language, as it refers to a broader range of small units of matter. Molecule is more commonly used in scientific contexts, particularly in the study of chemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between particle and molecule?
Molecule is generally considered more formal than particle, as it is a more specific and technical term used primarily in scientific fields.
