What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tottery
Example
The old man walked totteringly down the street. [totteringly: adverb]
Example
The toddler was tottery on his feet as he learned to walk. [tottery: adjective]
rickety
Example
The rickety old bridge swayed in the wind. [rickety: adjective]
Example
The old man's rickety legs couldn't carry him up the stairs. [rickety: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rickety is more commonly used than tottery in everyday language. Rickety is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tottery is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tottery and rickety?
While tottery may be considered more formal or literary, rickety is versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
