What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
precipitant
Example
The sudden rain was the precipitant for the car accident. [precipitant: noun]
Example
The high temperature acted as a precipitant for the chemical reaction. [precipitant: adjective]
trigger
Example
The sound of fireworks triggered his PTSD. [triggered: verb]
Example
The announcement of the new policy was the trigger for the employee's resignation. [trigger: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trigger is more commonly used than precipitant in everyday language due to its versatility and neutral connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between precipitant and trigger?
Precipitant is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its scientific and technical usage, while trigger can be used in both formal and informal contexts.