What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissipate
Example
The fog began to dissipate as the sun rose higher in the sky. [dissipate: verb]
Example
He dissipated his inheritance on frivolous purchases and extravagant trips. [dissipated: past participle]
Example
The heat caused the water to dissipate quickly into the air. [dissipate: verb]
disperse
Example
The protesters were dispersed by the police using tear gas and water cannons. [disperse: verb]
Example
The seeds of the dandelion disperse easily in the wind. [disperse: verb]
Example
The company decided to disperse its offices across the country to better serve its customers. [disperse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disperse is more commonly used than dissipate in everyday language. Disperse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dissipate is less common and refers to a more specific type of movement or distribution.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissipate and disperse?
Both dissipate and disperse can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dissipate may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage.
