What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defecating
Example
The doctor asked if the patient had been defecating regularly. [defecating: present participle]
Example
I need to use the bathroom to defecate. [defecate: verb]
excreting
Example
The kidneys are responsible for excreting waste products from the body. [excreting: present participle]
Example
The body excretes waste through various channels, including the urinary and digestive systems. [excretes: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defecating is more commonly used than excreting in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Excreting is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between defecating and excreting?
Excreting is more formal and scientific than defecating, which is more commonly used in everyday language and may be considered less formal.
