What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bleached
Example
The sun bleached the wooden fence, making it appear lighter. [bleached: past tense]
Example
She bleached her hair to achieve a platinum blonde color. [bleached: verb]
blanched
Example
Before stir-frying, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes. [blanch: verb]
Example
Her face blanched when she heard the unexpected news. [blanched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bleached is more commonly used in everyday language, covering a wider range of contexts, including hair and fabric treatments. Blanched is more specific to cooking terminology and is less commonly used outside of culinary discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bleached and blanched?
Both bleached and blanched can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bleached may be more commonly used in informal settings due to its broader usage in everyday language.