What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
etiolation
Example
The seedlings suffered from etiolation because they were grown in a dark room. [etiolation: noun]
Example
The leaves of the plant were etiolated and yellow due to lack of sunlight. [etiolated: adjective]
whitening
Example
The dentist recommended whitening toothpaste to remove stains from my teeth. [whitening: gerund or present participle]
Example
The fabric turned yellow over time, so I used a whitening agent to restore its original color. [whitening: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whitening is more commonly used than etiolation in everyday language. Whitening is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as teeth, fabrics, or photography, while etiolation is less common and primarily used in the context of plants.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between etiolation and whitening?
Both etiolation and whitening are formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, whitening may be more commonly used in marketing or advertising for products that promote a whiter appearance.
