What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fornicate
Example
It is illegal to fornicate in some countries. [fornicate: verb]
Example
She regretted fornicating with him after their one-night stand. [fornicating: gerund or present participle]
stray
Example
The dog strayed from its owner and got lost. [strayed: past tense]
Example
I strayed from my diet and had a slice of cake. [strayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stray is more commonly used than fornicate in everyday language. Stray is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fornicate is a technical term that is less commonly used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fornicate and stray?
Fornicate is a more formal term that is typically used in legal or academic contexts. Stray is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.