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: verb]
Example
The decayed fruit was no longer edible. [decayed: adjective]
rotten
Example
The smell of rotten eggs filled the kitchen. [rotten: adjective]
Example
The company's reputation was tarnished by the discovery of its rotten business practices. [rotten: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotten is more commonly used than decayed in everyday language. Rotten is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while decayed is less common and is typically used to describe non-living things.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between decayed and rotten?
Both decayed and rotten are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, decayed may be slightly more formal than rotten due to its association with scientific or technical language.
