What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breathability
Example
This shirt is made of a breathable fabric that will keep you cool in hot weather. [breathable: adjective]
Example
I prefer running shoes with good breathability to prevent my feet from getting sweaty. [breathability: noun]
porosity
Example
The sponge has high porosity, which makes it great for absorbing spills. [porosity: noun]
Example
The soil's porosity affects its ability to retain water and nutrients. [porosity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breathability is a more commonly used term in everyday language, especially in the context of clothing and sportswear. On the other hand, porosity is a more technical term that is commonly used in scientific or engineering fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breathability and porosity?
While breathability is often associated with casual and informal contexts, porosity is more technical and formal in nature, commonly used in scientific or engineering discussions.