What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decimate
Example
The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving only a few buildings standing. [decimated: past tense]
Example
The disease decimated the population, killing nearly half of the people. [decimate: verb]
eradicate
Example
The government is working to eradicate poverty in the country. [eradicate: verb]
Example
The new pesticide was able to eradicate the infestation of insects in the crops. [eradicate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eradicate is more commonly used than decimate in everyday language. Eradicate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while decimate is less common and often associated with specific contexts such as warfare or natural disasters.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decimate and eradicate?
Both decimate and eradicate are formal words that are appropriate for academic or professional writing. However, eradicate may be more commonly used in formal contexts due to its positive connotation and versatility.
