What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gestate
Example
The baby will gestate for nine months before being born. [gestate: verb]
Example
The idea has been gestating in my mind for a while now. [gestating: present participle]
incubate
Example
The eggs need to be incubated at a specific temperature to hatch. [incubated: past tense]
Example
The scientists are incubating the bacteria in a petri dish. [incubating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incubate is more commonly used than gestate in everyday language, especially in scientific contexts. Gestate is a more specialized term that is primarily used in medical or biological contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gestate and incubate?
Both gestate and incubate are formal words that are typically used in technical or scientific contexts. However, incubate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
