What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boyfriend
Example
My boyfriend and I went out for dinner last night. [boyfriend: noun]
Example
She introduced her boyfriend to her family at the party. [boyfriend: noun]
partner
Example
I'm going on vacation with my partner next week. [partner: noun]
Example
He introduced his partner as his husband during the event. [partner: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boyfriend is more commonly used than partner in everyday language, especially among younger people. Partner is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts, or when referring to a long-term or committed relationship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boyfriend and partner?
While boyfriend is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, partner is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
