What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distillation
Example
The chemist used distillation to separate the different components of the solution. [distillation: noun]
Example
Distilling whiskey involves heating and cooling the liquid to remove impurities. [distilling: gerund or present participle]
purification
Example
The water treatment plant uses various methods of purification to make the water safe for consumption. [purification: noun]
Example
The purification of gold involves removing any other metals or impurities from the ore. [purification: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purification is a more commonly used term than distillation in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile. Distillation is a more specialized term used mainly in chemistry and industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distillation and purification?
Distillation is a more technical and formal term, while purification can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
