Cinema:
* More formal and sophisticated: "Cinema" tends to evoke a more intellectual and artistic experience. It's often used to describe art house cinemas, independent film festivals, or even the art of filmmaking itself.
* Focus on the art form: When discussing "cinema," the conversation often revolves around the technical aspects of filmmaking, storytelling, and the director's vision.
* Broader scope: "Cinema" can also refer to the overall industry of film production and distribution.
Movie theater:
* More casual and commercial: "Movie theater" is a more common and straightforward term, often used to describe places where you go to watch mainstream films.
* Focus on entertainment: "Movie theater" emphasizes the entertainment value of the experience, rather than its artistic merit.
* Specific location: It specifically refers to the physical space where films are screened, rather than the art form itself.
In essence:
* Cinema can be seen as a broader term encompassing both the art form and the places where it's experienced.
* Movie theater refers specifically to the physical location where movies are screened.
Ultimately, the choice of word depends on the context and the desired emphasis.