What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilute
Example
You need to dilute the juice concentrate with water before drinking it. [dilute: verb]
Example
The chemist diluted the acid solution by adding water. [diluted: past tense]
attenuate
Example
The noise was attenuated by the soundproofing material in the room. [attenuated: past participle]
Example
The doctor prescribed medication to attenuate the symptoms of the illness. [attenuate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dilute is more common than attenuate in everyday language and can be used in various contexts, including chemistry, cooking, and everyday conversation. Attenuate, on the other hand, is more technical and formal, and is typically used in specific fields such as physics or medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dilute and attenuate?
Attenuate is more formal and technical than dilute, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Therefore, dilute is more appropriate for everyday conversation, while attenuate is more suitable for scientific or technical writing.
