What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilated
Example
The doctor used a flashlight to check if my pupils were dilated. [dilated: adjective]
Example
The medication caused my blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. [dilate: verb]
expand
Example
The company plans to expand its operations to other countries. [expand: verb]
Example
The author expanded on the theme of love in her latest novel. [expanded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expand is more commonly used than dilated in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, from business to literature. Dilated is more specialized and is typically used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dilated and expand?
Both dilated and expand can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dilated may be perceived as more technical or specialized, while expand is more general and adaptable to different registers.
