What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reactant
Example
The reactants in this chemical reaction are hydrogen and oxygen. [reactants: noun]
Example
The reactant concentration affects the rate of the reaction. [reactant: adjective]
reagent
Example
The reagent used in this experiment is iodine. [reagent: noun]
Example
Add the reagent slowly to avoid an overreaction. [reagent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reactant is more commonly used than reagent in everyday language. Reactant is a general term that can be used in various contexts, while reagent is a technical term that is mainly used in laboratory settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reactant and reagent?
Reagent is a more formal term than reactant. It is mainly used in scientific or technical writing and is less common in everyday language.
