What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sinecure
Example
The CEO's nephew was given a sinecure in the company, despite having no relevant experience. [sinecure: noun]
Example
The position of the royal family is often seen as a sinecure, with no real responsibilities or duties. [sinecure: adjective]
idle
Example
He spent the day idling on the couch, watching TV. [idle: verb]
Example
The factory had to shut down due to idle machinery. [idle: adjective]
Example
The project has been idle for months, with no progress made. [idle: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idle is more commonly used than sinecure in everyday language. Idle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sinecure is less common and is typically used in formal or professional contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sinecure and idle?
Sinecure is typically associated with a formal or professional tone, while idle can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.