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"Sticky" vs. "adhesive": exploring the bond between words

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 07/10/2024, 06:36
English.me team member
Sticky and adhesive. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words refer to a quality or property that allows substances to hold or bind together. They are used to describe things that can stick or adhere.

What is different?

Sticky is often used to describe a temporary condition or the physical feel of a surface, while adhesive specifically refers to a substance that is used to bind surfaces together, such as glue or tape. Sticky can also be a casual term, whereas adhesive is more technical.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for sticky) and adhesive

Examples of usage

Sticky
  • The candy made my fingers sticky.
  • The sticky note wouldn't stay on the wall.
  • After the rain, the floor felt sticky.
Adhesive
  • I need some adhesive to fix this broken vase.
  • The adhesive on this tape is very strong.
  • She used an adhesive bandage for her cut.

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