What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supernovae
Example
The supernova was visible from Earth for several weeks. [supernova: noun]
Example
The star is expected to undergo a supernova in the next few million years. [supernova: verb]
nova
Example
The nova was first observed by astronomers in the southern hemisphere. [nova: noun]
Example
The star is likely to become a nova in the next few thousand years. [nova: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nova is more commonly used than supernovae in everyday language. Nova is a relatively common astronomical event that can be observed from Earth several times a year, while supernovae are much rarer and occur only a few times per century.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between supernovae and nova?
Both supernovae and nova are formal words that are typically used in scientific or academic contexts.
