What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elongate
Example
The caterpillar elongated its body as it crawled along the branch. [elongated: past tense]
Example
The artist used a technique to elongate the model's legs in the painting. [elongate: verb]
stretch
Example
I always stretch before I exercise to prevent injury. [stretch: verb]
Example
The fabric will stretch if you pull it too hard. [stretch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stretch is more commonly used than elongate in everyday language. Stretch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while elongate is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elongate and stretch?
While elongate is typically associated with a more formal tone, stretch is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.