What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissipate
Example
The morning mist began to dissipate as the sun rose higher. [dissipate: verb]
Example
The company's profits slowly dissipated over the years. [dissipated: past participle]
dispel
Example
The teacher dispelled the students' confusion by explaining the concept clearly. [dispelled: past tense]
Example
The therapist helped her client dispel their anxiety through relaxation techniques. [dispel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispelling is more commonly used than dissipating in everyday language. Dispelling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dissipating is less common and typically used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dissipate and dispel?
Both dissipate and dispel can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, dissipate may be perceived as more technical or scientific, while dispel is more commonly used in everyday language.
