What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rainbow
Example
After the storm, we saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky. [rainbow: noun]
Example
The company's commitment to diversity is like a rainbow of different perspectives and experiences. [rainbow: metaphor]
spectrum
Example
The colors of the spectrum are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. [spectrum: noun]
Example
Political beliefs exist on a spectrum from left to right. [spectrum: metaphor]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rainbow is more commonly used than spectrum in everyday language, especially in the context of describing a colorful arc in the sky after rain. However, spectrum is more commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, such as physics, chemistry, and optics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rainbow and spectrum?
Spectrum is generally more formal than rainbow, as it is a scientific term with technical meanings. However, rainbow can also be used in formal contexts, such as literature, art, and symbolism.
