What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
published
Example
The author's latest book was published last month. [published: verb]
Example
The newspaper is published daily. [published: adjective]
circulated
Example
The memo was circulated among the staff for review. [circulated: verb]
Example
The petition was circulated online to gather support. [circulated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Published is more commonly used than circulated in everyday language, especially in the context of printed works such as books, magazines, or newspapers. Circulated is less common but can be used in various contexts to describe the sharing of information among a specific group of people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between published and circulated?
Published is typically associated with a more formal or official tone, while circulated can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the nature of the information being shared and the audience it is being shared with.