What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poppy
Example
I planted some poppies in my garden this year. [poppy: noun]
Example
The veterans wore poppies on their lapels during the memorial service. [poppies: plural noun]
Example
Opium is derived from the sap of the poppy plant. [poppy: noun]
opiate
Example
The doctor prescribed an opiate for my chronic pain. [opiate: noun]
Example
The singer's voice had an opiate effect on the audience. [opiate: adjective]
Example
Opiates can be dangerous if not used properly and can lead to addiction. [opiates: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poppy is more commonly used in everyday language, especially when referring to the plant or its seeds. Opiate is a more specialized term used mainly in medical or drug-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poppy and opiate?
Opiate is a more formal term used mainly in medical or scientific contexts, while poppy can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
