What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disinfect
Example
I always disinfect my kitchen counters after preparing raw meat. [disinfect: verb]
Example
The hospital staff disinfects all equipment before and after each use. [disinfects: present tense]
sterilize
Example
The surgical instruments are sterilized before each procedure. [sterilized: past participle]
Example
The baby bottles need to be sterilized in boiling water before use. [sterilized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disinfect is more commonly used than sterilize in everyday language. Disinfect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sterilize is more specific and is mostly used in medical and laboratory settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between disinfect and sterilize?
Sterilize is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while disinfect is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
