What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferments
Example
The bread dough is left to ferment for several hours before baking. [ferment: verb]
Example
The fermentation process is what gives beer its alcohol content. [fermentation: noun]
enzyme
Example
Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down lactose in milk. [enzyme: noun]
Example
Enzymatic reactions are essential for many biological processes in the body. [enzymatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enzyme is a more common word than ferment in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is used in various scientific fields. Ferment is more commonly used in the context of food and beverage production.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferments and enzyme?
Enzyme is a more formal word than ferment, as it is used in scientific and technical contexts. Ferment is more casual and informal, often used in the context of cooking and brewing.