What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plastic
Example
The toy was made of plastic. [plastic: noun]
Example
She had a plastic smile on her face. [plastic: adjective]
Example
I prefer to pay with plastic instead of carrying cash. [plastic: slang for credit cards]
resin
Example
The artist used resin to coat the painting. [resin: noun]
Example
The table was made of resin. [resin: adjective]
Example
She used resin to attach the beads to the necklace. [resin: adhesive material]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plastic is much more common than resin in everyday language and usage. Plastic is a widely used material found in many products, while resin is more specialized and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plastic and resin?
Plastic is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while resin is more commonly used in specialized or artistic contexts and may be considered more formal in those settings.