What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thermoplastic
Example
The toy was made from a thermoplastic material that could be melted and reshaped. [thermoplastic: adjective]
Example
The company specializes in producing thermoplastic components for the automotive industry. [thermoplastic: noun]
plastic
Example
The chair was made from a durable plastic material. [plastic: adjective]
Example
The factory produces plastic bottles for the beverage industry. [plastic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plastic is more commonly used than thermoplastic in everyday language. Plastic is a versatile material that is used in various industries and has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Thermoplastic is a specialized material that is used in high-performance applications and is less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thermoplastic and plastic?
Thermoplastic is a more technical term and is typically used in formal or specialized contexts such as engineering, manufacturing, and science. Plastic, on the other hand, is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
