What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flatten
Example
I need to flatten this dough before baking it. [flatten: verb]
Example
The construction workers used a roller to flatten the road. [flatten: verb]
smooth
Example
The baby's skin was smooth and soft. [smooth: adjective]
Example
She used sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges of the wood. [smooth: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smooth is more commonly used than flatten in everyday language. Smooth is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while flatten is less common and often used in specific contexts such as cooking or construction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flatten and smooth?
Both flatten and smooth can be used in formal and informal contexts, but smooth may be considered slightly more formal due to its positive connotation and association with refinement or improvement.
