What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contaminate
Example
The water supply was contaminated with bacteria. [contaminate: verb]
Example
The factory's waste products contaminated the nearby river. [contaminated: past participle]
corrupt
Example
The politician was accused of corrupt practices. [corrupt: adjective]
Example
The file was corrupted and could not be opened. [corrupted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corrupt is more commonly used than contaminate in everyday language, especially in the context of politics and social issues. Contaminate is more specific and less common, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contaminate and corrupt?
Corrupt is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while contaminate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
