What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trapezium
Example
The playground has a trapezium-shaped sandbox. [trapezium: adjective]
Example
The engineer drew a trapezium on the blueprint. [trapezium: noun]
trapezoid
Example
The banner was shaped like a trapezoid. [trapezoid: noun]
Example
The students learned how to calculate the area of a trapezoid in math class. [trapezoid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trapezoid is more commonly used than trapezium in American English, while trapezium is more commonly used in British English. Both words are used in mathematics and engineering, but trapezoid is more versatile and can be used in everyday language to describe shapes found in architecture and design.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trapezium and trapezoid?
Both trapezium and trapezoid are formal terms used in mathematics and engineering. However, trapezoid is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while trapezium is less common and may sound more formal.
