What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cinching
Example
She cinched her waist with a belt to create an hourglass figure. [cinched: past tense]
Example
The backpack has adjustable straps that can be cinched to ensure a comfortable fit. [cinched: verb]
fastening
Example
He struggled with fastening the buttons on his shirt. [fastening: gerund or present participle]
Example
The carpenter used nails to fasten the pieces of wood together. [fasten: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fastening is more commonly used than cinching in everyday language. Fastening has a wider range of applications and is used in various contexts, such as clothing, accessories, and construction. Cinching is more specific to fashion and adjusting fit.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cinching and fastening?
Both cinching and fastening can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, fastening is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, while cinching is more commonly used in casual or fashion-related settings.
