What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devitalize
Example
The disease had devitalized his body, leaving him weak and exhausted. [devitalized: past participle]
Example
The lack of funding had devitalized the company's ability to compete in the market. [devitalize: verb]
weaken
Example
The illness had weakened her immune system, making her more susceptible to infections. [weakened: past participle]
Example
The economic crisis had weakened the country's financial stability. [weaken: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Weaken is more commonly used than devitalize in everyday language. Weaken is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while devitalize is less common and typically used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devitalize and weaken?
Devitalize is considered more formal than weaken. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts, while weaken can be used in both formal and informal settings.