What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fanned
Example
She fanned herself with a magazine to cool down. [fanned: verb]
Example
The crowd fanned their hands to try and cool off in the heat. [fanned: past tense]
waft
Example
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the room. [wafted: verb]
Example
The curtains wafted in the breeze, creating a peaceful atmosphere. [wafted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Waft is less common than fanned in everyday language. Fanned is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while waft is more specific and often used in more poetic or descriptive writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fanned and waft?
Both fanned and waft are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, fanned may be slightly more informal due to its association with fans and cooling down in hot weather.
