What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glutinous
Example
The glutinous rice is a popular dish in many Asian countries. [glutinous: adjective]
Example
The dough was too glutinous to work with, so I added more flour. [glutinous: adjective]
viscous
Example
The viscous syrup was difficult to pour out of the bottle. [viscous: adjective]
Example
The oil became more viscous at low temperatures, making it harder to pump. [viscous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Viscous is more commonly used than glutinous in everyday language. Viscous is a scientific term that covers a wide range of contexts, while glutinous is less common and refers specifically to a sticky or adhesive texture of food.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glutinous and viscous?
Both glutinous and viscous are formal words that are typically used in scientific or technical contexts. However, viscous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
