What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
temperamental
Example
She's very temperamental and can be moody at times. [temperamental: adjective]
Example
The old car is quite temperamental and needs constant attention. [temperamental: adjective]
volatile
Example
The stock market can be quite volatile, with prices changing rapidly. [volatile: adjective]
Example
He has a volatile personality and can be difficult to predict. [volatile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Volatile is more commonly used than temperamental in everyday language. Volatile is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while temperamental is less common and is more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between temperamental and volatile?
Both temperamental and volatile are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, volatile may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with scientific or technical contexts.
