What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stele
Example
The ancient Egyptians created many steles to commemorate their pharaohs. [steles: plural noun]
Example
The stele in the museum had intricate carvings and inscriptions. [stele: singular noun]
monument
Example
The Lincoln Memorial is a famous monument in Washington D.C. [monument: noun]
Example
The city erected a monument to honor the soldiers who fought in the war. [monument: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monument is more commonly used than stele in everyday language. Monument is a versatile term that covers a wide range of structures and purposes, while stele is less common and often associated with ancient cultures and historical periods.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stele and monument?
Both stele and monument can be used in formal contexts, but stele may be more associated with academic or historical writing due to its association with ancient cultures and historical periods.
