What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scenarist
Example
The scenarist spent months crafting the perfect story for the upcoming film. [scenarist: noun]
Example
She is a talented scenarist who has written several award-winning screenplays. [scenarist: adjective]
screenwriter
Example
The screenwriter was hired to adapt the novel into a screenplay for the upcoming movie. [screenwriter: noun]
Example
He is a successful screenwriter who has worked on many popular films and TV shows. [screenwriter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Screenwriter is more commonly used than scenarist in everyday language, especially in the United States. Screenwriter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scenarist is less common and may be considered outdated in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scenarist and screenwriter?
Scenarist may be considered more formal or academic than screenwriter, which is more casual and commonly used. However, both words can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and audience.