What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quintessential
Example
The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential symbol of Paris. [quintessential: adjective]
Example
Her style is quintessentially French, with its effortless elegance and chic simplicity. [quintessentially: adverb]
typical
Example
It's typical for him to be late to meetings. [typical: adjective]
Example
This is a typical example of a problem that we encounter in our line of work. [typical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Typical is a more commonly used word than quintessential in everyday language. Typical is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while quintessential is less common and has a more formal and literary tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quintessential and typical?
Quintessential is a more formal and literary word than typical, which is more commonly used in informal and everyday language.
