What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thumb
Example
He accidentally hit his thumb with a hammer. [thumb: noun]
Example
She thumbed through the pages of the book to find the chapter she needed. [thumbed: past tense verb]
Example
The audience gave a thumbs up to show their support. [thumbs up: idiom]
digit
Example
She entered her four-digit PIN number to access her account. [digit: noun]
Example
He injured two digits while playing basketball. [digits: plural noun]
Example
The digital clock displayed the time in bright red digits. [digits: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thumb is more commonly used in everyday language, while digit is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thumb and digit?
Digit is more formal than thumb, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. Thumb is more casual and informal, and can also be used in idiomatic expressions such as 'thumbs up'.
