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
The heat from the stove dissipated quickly throughout the room. [dissipated: past participle]
vanish
Example
The magician made the rabbit vanish from the hat. [vanish: verb]
Example
The footprints vanished in the sand as the tide came in. [vanished: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vanish is more commonly used than dissipate in everyday language, especially in casual conversation. Dissipate is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissipate and vanish?
Dissipate is generally considered more formal than vanish, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
