What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hygiene
Example
Good hygiene practices include washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. [hygiene: noun]
Example
She is very particular about her personal hygiene and always takes a shower before going to bed. [hygiene: adjective]
disinfection
Example
The hospital uses a disinfectant spray to clean and sanitize the patient rooms. [disinfectant: noun]
Example
After someone in the house tested positive for COVID-19, they hired a professional cleaning service to perform a thorough disinfection of the entire house. [disinfection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hygiene is a more common term than disinfection in everyday language, as it is a broader concept that covers a wide range of personal and public health practices. Disinfection is more commonly used in medical and industrial settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hygiene and disinfection?
Disinfection is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in medical and industrial contexts. Hygiene, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
