What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ionize
Example
The radiation from the sun can ionize the Earth's atmosphere. [ionize: verb]
Example
The ionization of the gas caused it to glow with a bright light. [ionization: noun]
magnetize
Example
The iron bar was magnetized by rubbing it with a magnet. [magnetize: verb]
Example
The compass needle pointed north because it was magnetized. [magnetized: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Magnetize is more commonly used than ionize in everyday language. Magnetize has a wider range of applications and is more familiar to people due to its use in magnets and electrical devices. Ionize is a more specialized term used in scientific fields such as nuclear physics and atmospheric science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ionize and magnetize?
Ionize is a more formal term than magnetize. It is used in scientific and technical contexts and may not be familiar to people outside of those fields. Magnetize is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
