What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erode
Example
The river eroded the banks over time. [eroded: past tense]
Example
The constant exposure to sunlight and rain caused the paint to erode. [erode: verb]
dissolve
Example
The sugar dissolved in the hot water. [dissolved: past tense]
Example
The company decided to dissolve their partnership due to irreconcilable differences. [dissolve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erode is more commonly used than dissolve in everyday language, especially in scientific or geological contexts. Dissolve is less common but has a wider range of applications, including both physical and abstract concepts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erode and dissolve?
Erode is generally considered more formal than dissolve, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
