What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disinfecting
Example
The hospital staff is disinfecting all the rooms to prevent the spread of infection. [disinfecting: present participle]
Example
I always make sure to disinfect my kitchen counters after preparing raw meat. [disinfect: verb]
sterilize
Example
The surgical team sterilized all the instruments before the operation. [sterilized: past tense]
Example
It's important to sterilize baby bottles to ensure they are safe for use. [sterilize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disinfecting is more commonly used than sterilizing in everyday language. Disinfecting is a routine part of cleaning and hygiene practices, while sterilizing is a more specialized process used in medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disinfecting and sterilize?
Sterilizing is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while disinfecting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
