What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rainbow
Example
After the storm, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. [rainbow: noun]
Example
The children were excited to see the rainbow colors on their art project. [rainbow: adjective]
prism
Example
The scientist used a prism to study the properties of light. [prism: noun]
Example
The building had a beautiful glass prism that reflected the sunlight. [prism: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rainbow is more commonly used than prism in everyday language, especially in the context of nature and symbolism. Prism is more technical and scientific, and is commonly used in physics and optics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rainbow and prism?
Prism is more formal than rainbow, and is typically used in technical or academic contexts. Rainbow is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.