What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thruster
Example
The spacecraft's thrusters were used to adjust its trajectory. [thrusters: noun]
Example
I did some squats using the thruster machine at the gym. [thruster: noun]
Example
The rocket's thruster provided the necessary boost to reach orbit. [thruster: noun]
engine
Example
The car's engine was making a strange noise. [engine: noun]
Example
The airplane's engines roared as it took off. [engines: noun]
Example
The video game was built using the Unity engine. [engine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engine is a more commonly used word than thruster in everyday language. Engine is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while thruster is a more specialized term used primarily in the aerospace and marine industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thruster and engine?
Both thruster and engine can be used in formal and informal contexts, but engine is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it more suitable for formal writing and speech.