What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emission
Example
The emission of greenhouse gases is a major contributor to climate change. [emission: noun]
Example
The radio station's emission covered a wide area. [emission: noun]
discharge
Example
The hospital discharged the patient after a week of treatment. [discharged: past tense verb]
Example
The battery discharged quickly because it was old. [discharged: past participle adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discharge is more commonly used than emission in everyday language. Discharge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emission is more technical and often used in scientific or environmental contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emission and discharge?
Both emission and discharge can be used in formal or technical contexts, but emission is more commonly associated with scientific or environmental jargon, while discharge is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
