What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vault
Example
The bank keeps its most valuable assets in the vault. [vault: noun]
Example
She vaulted over the horse with ease during her gymnastics routine. [vaulted: verb]
basement
Example
The basement of the house flooded during the heavy rainstorm. [basement: noun]
Example
He converted his basement into a home theater. [basement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Basement is more commonly used than vault in everyday language. Basement is a common feature in many residential and commercial buildings, while vault is typically associated with specialized settings, such as banks or museums.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vault and basement?
Vault is generally considered more formal than basement, due to its association with high-security settings and valuable items. Basement is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
