What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protoscientific
Example
Alchemy was a protoscientific discipline that attempted to turn base metals into gold. [protoscientific: adjective]
Example
The ancient Greeks had a protoscientific understanding of medicine, based on observation and natural remedies. [protoscientific: adjective]
unscientific
Example
The idea that the earth is flat is unscientific and has been disproven by centuries of scientific research. [unscientific: adjective]
Example
Homeopathy is considered unscientific by many in the medical community due to its lack of scientific evidence. [unscientific: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unscientific is a more commonly used term than protoscientific in everyday language. Unscientific is a versatile term that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while protoscientific is a more specific term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protoscientific and unscientific?
Both protoscientific and unscientific are generally considered informal terms, although protoscientific may be used in academic or technical contexts to describe the early stages of a field of study.