What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
domesticate
Example
Humans have been able to domesticate dogs for thousands of years. [domesticate: verb]
Example
The farmer is trying to domesticate the wild horses on his land. [domesticating: gerund or present participle]
tame
Example
The zookeeper was able to tame the lion and now it is comfortable around humans. [tame: verb]
Example
The dog was easily tamed and trained to do tricks. [tamed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tame is more commonly used than domesticate in everyday language. Tame is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while domesticate is less common and refers to a more specific process.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between domesticate and tame?
Both domesticate and tame are formal words, but domesticate may be slightly more formal due to its technical nature and specific usage in agriculture and biology.
