What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
researcher
Example
The researcher conducted a study on the effects of climate change on marine life. [researcher: noun]
Example
She spent years researching the history of ancient civilizations. [researching: gerund or present participle]
scientist
Example
The scientist conducted experiments to test the hypothesis. [scientist: noun]
Example
She is a renowned scientist in the field of genetics. [scientist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scientist is more commonly used than researcher in everyday language. Scientist is a more specific and formal term that is associated with expertise and authority in a particular field, while researcher is a more general term that can refer to anyone who conducts research.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between researcher and scientist?
Scientist is a more formal term than researcher and is typically used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. However, both terms can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
