What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispose
Example
Please dispose of your trash in the designated bins. [dispose: verb]
Example
The company disposed of its old equipment in an environmentally friendly way. [disposed: past tense]
discard
Example
I need to discard these old clothes that no longer fit me. [discard: verb]
Example
The team decided to discard their original plan and start over. [discarded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discard is more commonly used than dispose in everyday language, as it is a simpler and more straightforward term. However, dispose is more commonly used in specific contexts such as waste management or environmental responsibility.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dispose and discard?
Dispose is generally considered more formal than discard, as it is often used in technical or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal language depending on the context.