What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contaminated
Example
The water in the river was contaminated with industrial waste. [contaminated: adjective]
Example
She got sick from eating contaminated food at the restaurant. [contaminated: past participle]
infected
Example
He was infected with the flu after being exposed to someone who was sick. [infected: past participle]
Example
The cut on her hand became infected and required medical attention. [infected: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infected is more commonly used than contaminated in everyday language, especially in the context of diseases and illnesses. Contaminated is more commonly used in the context of pollution or environmental hazards.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contaminated and infected?
Infected is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially in medical or scientific contexts. Contaminated is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
