What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prospector
Example
The prospector spent months searching for gold in the mountains. [prospector: noun]
Example
They hired a team of prospectors to survey the land for oil reserves. [prospectors: plural noun]
explorer
Example
The explorer traveled to the Amazon rainforest to study its unique ecosystem. [explorer: noun]
Example
She explored the topic in depth, reading every book she could find on the subject. [explored: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explorer is a more common word than prospector in everyday language. Explorer is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while prospector is more specific and often associated with mining or resource extraction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prospector and explorer?
Both prospector and explorer are generally considered formal words, but prospector may be slightly more technical and specialized due to its association with mining and resource extraction.