What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tec
Example
The tec was hired by the wealthy businessman to investigate his wife's disappearance. [tec: noun]
Example
He worked as a tec for several years before joining the police force. [tec: abbreviation]
detective
Example
The detective interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence at the crime scene. [detective: noun]
Example
Sherlock Holmes is a famous fictional detective known for his keen observation and deduction skills. [detective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detective is a more common and versatile term used in various contexts, including literature, film, and television. Tec is less common and may be associated with a more informal or old-fashioned tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tec and detective?
Detective is a more formal term used in professional and legal contexts, while tec is typically associated with a more informal or casual tone and used in specific contexts such as private investigation or detective fiction.
