What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recoining
Example
The term 'mouse' was recoined to refer to a computer accessory. [recoined: verb]
Example
The recoining of the word 'friend' to include social media connections is an example of language evolution. [recoining: noun]
neologism
Example
The term 'selfie' is a neologism that gained popularity in recent years. [neologism: noun]
Example
The author's use of neologisms in their writing reflects their creative approach to language. [neologisms: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recoining is less common than neologism in everyday language, as it involves modifying existing words which happens less often than creating completely new ones. Neologism is more commonly used to describe newly coined words or expressions that reflect the evolution of language over time.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recoining and neologism?
Both recoining and neologism are relatively formal terms that are more likely to be used in academic or linguistic contexts rather than everyday conversation.