What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dowsing
Example
The farmer used dowsing to locate a new well on his property. [dowsing: noun]
Example
She dowsed for lost keys using a pendulum. [dowsed: past tense verb]
radiesthesia
Example
The scientist used radiesthesia to measure the electromagnetic field around the object. [radiesthesia: noun]
Example
He practiced radiesthesia to detect imbalances in the body's energy systems. [radiesthetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dowsing is a more commonly used term than radiesthesia in everyday language, especially in the context of finding water or minerals. However, radiesthesia is more commonly used in alternative medicine or holistic healing practices.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dowsing and radiesthesia?
Both dowsing and radiesthesia are associated with informal or controversial contexts, and are not typically used in formal or academic settings.