What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decayed
Example
The old wooden fence had decayed over time and was in need of repair. [decayed: past participle]
Example
The fruit had decayed and was no longer edible. [decayed: verb]
corrupt
Example
The politician was accused of being corrupt and accepting bribes. [corrupt: adjective]
Example
The file had been corrupted and could not be opened. [corrupted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corrupt is more commonly used than decayed in everyday language. Corrupt is a word that is frequently used in news and politics, while decayed is less common and usually used in specific contexts such as describing physical objects or natural processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decayed and corrupt?
Corrupt is typically associated with a formal tone, especially when used in legal or political contexts. Decayed is less formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
