What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abscise
Example
The leaves will abscise from the tree in autumn. [abscise: verb]
Example
The gardener will abscise the dead branches to promote new growth. [abscise: verb]
prune
Example
The gardener will prune the rose bushes to encourage more blooms. [prune: verb]
Example
She removed the dead branches by pruning the tree. [pruning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prune is more commonly used than abscise in everyday language. Prune is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while abscise is less common and refers specifically to the natural detachment of plant parts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abscise and prune?
Both abscise and prune are formal terms that are commonly used in gardening and botanical contexts. However, prune is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
