What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrofit
Example
The company decided to retrofit their old building with energy-efficient lighting. [retrofit: verb]
Example
The retrofit of the aircraft involved installing new avionics and navigation systems. [retrofit: noun]
update
Example
I need to update my phone's operating system to the latest version. [update: verb]
Example
The news website provides regular updates on breaking stories. [updates: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Update is more commonly used than retrofit in everyday language. Update is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retrofit is less common and refers to a specific type of change.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retrofit and update?
Both retrofit and update can be used in formal and informal contexts, but retrofit may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields.
