What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emanate
Example
The music seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. [emanate: verb]
Example
The scent of fresh flowers emanated from the vase on the table. [emanated: past tense]
Example
The power and authority of the king emanated from his throne. [emanating: present participle]
radiate
Example
The sun radiated warmth and light across the landscape. [radiated: past tense]
Example
She radiated confidence and poise during her presentation. [radiated: verb]
Example
The joy and excitement of the crowd radiated throughout the stadium. [radiating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Radiate is more commonly used than emanate in everyday language. Radiate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emanate is less common and often used in more technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emanate and radiate?
Emanate is often associated with a more formal or technical tone, while radiate is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
