What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caressing
Example
She enjoyed caressing her partner's face, feeling the warmth of their skin. [caressing: present participle]
Example
The mother caressed her baby's back to soothe them to sleep. [caressed: past tense]
petting
Example
The little girl loved petting her fluffy cat, feeling its soft fur under her fingers. [petting: gerund]
Example
They were caught petting in the park, unaware of the people around them. [petting: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Petting is more commonly used than caressing in everyday language, especially when referring to interactions with animals. Petting is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while caressing is less common and tends to be used in more specific and formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between caressing and petting?
While caressing is considered a more formal term, petting is more casual and commonly used in informal contexts, particularly when referring to interactions with animals.
