What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dewater
Example
The company used a centrifuge to dewater the sludge before disposal. [dewater: verb]
Example
The construction site needed to be dewatered before excavation could begin. [dewatered: past participle]
dehydrate
Example
The fruit was dehydrated to make dried fruit snacks. [dehydrated: past participle]
Example
The hiker became dehydrated after walking for hours in the hot sun. [dehydrated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dehydrate is more commonly used than dewater in everyday language. Dehydrate has a wider range of applications, including food processing and health, while dewater is more specific to industries such as construction and wastewater treatment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dewater and dehydrate?
Both dewater and dehydrate are technical terms and are more formal than everyday language. However, dehydrate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dewater is more specific to certain industries and may be less common in everyday conversation.