What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
richer
Example
After winning the lottery, he became much richer. [richer: comparative adjective]
Example
She is getting richer every day with her new business venture. [richer: comparative adjective]
wealthier
Example
The Smiths are one of the wealthiest families in town. [wealthiest: superlative adjective]
Example
He inherited a fortune from his grandfather and became much wealthier. [wealthier: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Richer is more commonly used than wealthier in everyday language. Richer is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while wealthier is more specific and often used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between richer and wealthier?
Wealthier is more formal than richer. It is often used in formal writing, such as business or legal documents, while richer can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
