What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amortizing
Example
The mortgage is amortized over a period of 30 years. [amortized: verb]
Example
The company is amortizing the patent over a period of 10 years. [amortizing: present participle]
depreciate
Example
The car depreciated in value after five years of use. [depreciated: past tense]
Example
The company is depreciating the equipment over a period of five years. [depreciating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depreciate is more commonly used than amortize in everyday language, especially in the context of tangible assets. Amortize is more commonly used in the context of loans and debts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amortizing and depreciate?
Amortize is generally considered more formal than depreciate, which is used in both formal and informal contexts.
