What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
star
Example
The night sky was filled with stars. [star: noun]
Example
She has become a star in the music industry. [star: noun]
Example
He starred in the latest blockbuster movie. [starred: past tense verb]
asterisk
Example
Please see the asterisk at the bottom of the page for more information. [asterisk: noun]
Example
The password must contain at least one asterisk. [asterisk: noun]
Example
The code won't run because there's an error in the asterisk placement. [asterisk: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Star is more common than asterisk in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and is more recognizable. However, asterisk is more common in written text, particularly in academic and technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between star and asterisk?
Asterisk is generally considered more formal than star, as it is primarily used in written text and academic contexts. Star is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
