What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brine
Example
The recipe calls for soaking the chicken in brine before grilling it. [brine: noun]
Example
She brined the olives overnight to enhance their flavor. [brined: past tense verb]
seawater
Example
The children enjoyed playing in the seawater at the beach. [seawater: noun]
Example
Seawater is essential for the survival of marine life. [seawater: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seawater is more commonly used than brine in everyday language, as it is a term that refers to the vast bodies of saltwater on Earth. Brine is a more specialized term used in specific culinary processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brine and seawater?
Both brine and seawater can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, seawater is more versatile and commonly used in various contexts, while brine is more specific to culinary or food-related discussions.