What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
residual
Example
There was a residual smell of smoke in the room even after the fire was put out. [residual: adjective]
Example
The company had to deal with the residual effects of the economic recession. [residual: noun]
vestigial
Example
The human appendix is a vestigial organ that no longer serves a purpose. [vestigial: adjective]
Example
The bird's wings were vestigial and could not be used for flight. [vestigial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Residual is more commonly used than vestigial in everyday language. Residual is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while vestigial is more specific to biology and evolution.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between residual and vestigial?
Both residual and vestigial are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
