What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
publicize
Example
The company hired a marketing firm to publicize their new product. [publicize: verb]
Example
The newspaper article helped to publicize the issue and raise awareness. [publicize: verb]
circulate
Example
Please circulate this memo to all employees. [circulate: verb]
Example
The petition circulated among the community, gathering support for the cause. [circulated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Publicize is more commonly used than circulate in everyday language. Publicize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while circulate is less common and refers to a more specific type of dissemination.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between publicize and circulate?
Publicize has a more formal and professional connotation, making it suitable for use in formal contexts such as business or academic settings. Circulate can have a more casual or informal connotation, making it more appropriate for personal or social contexts.