What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sonic
Example
The jet broke the sonic barrier, creating a loud boom. [sonic: adjective]
Example
The dog's bark was so sonic that it hurt my ears. [sonic: adjective]
Example
The submarine uses sonic waves to detect underwater objects. [sonic: noun]
sound
Example
I can hear the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. [sound: noun]
Example
The structure of the building is sound and sturdy. [sound: adjective]
Example
The guitar produced a beautiful sound when he played it. [sound: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sound is more commonly used than sonic in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Sonic is less common and is often used in specialized fields such as physics, engineering, or technology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sonic and sound?
Sonic is typically associated with a more technical or scientific tone, while sound is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
