What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sexagesimal
Example
The ancient Babylonians used a sexagesimal system to measure time. [sexagesimal: adjective]
Example
The angle of the triangle was measured in sexagesimal degrees. [sexagesimal: adjective]
sexagenary
Example
The library has a collection of sexagenary books on history. [sexagenary: adjective]
Example
My grandfather is a sexagenary and still very active. [sexagenary: noun]
Example
The Mayans used a sexagenary system for counting. [sexagenary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sexagesimal is more commonly used than sexagenary in technical and scientific contexts, especially in fields such as astronomy and mathematics. Sexagenary is less common and is more likely to be used in informal or everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sexagesimal and sexagenary?
Sexagesimal is generally considered more formal than sexagenary, due to its technical and precise nature. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
