What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penumbra
Example
The moon was surrounded by a penumbra during the lunar eclipse. [penumbra: noun]
Example
The artist used a penumbra effect to create a sense of depth in the painting. [penumbra: adjective]
periphery
Example
The park is located on the periphery of the city. [periphery: noun]
Example
The professor briefly mentioned some periphery ideas related to the main topic. [periphery: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Periphery is more commonly used than penumbra in everyday language. Periphery is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while penumbra is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penumbra and periphery?
Both penumbra and periphery are neutral and can be used in formal or informal contexts, but penumbra may be more commonly used in scientific or technical writing, which tends to be more formal.
