What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irradiate
Example
The patient was irradiated with high-energy radiation to treat the tumor. [irradiated: past tense]
Example
The sun irradiates the earth with ultraviolet rays. [irradiates: verb]
radiate
Example
The heater radiates warmth throughout the room. [radiates: verb]
Example
The star radiated intense light and heat into space. [radiated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Radiate is more commonly used than irradiate in everyday language. Radiate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while irradiate is more technical and specific to certain fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irradiate and radiate?
Both irradiate and radiate can be used in technical or scientific contexts, but irradiate is more formal and specific to certain fields, while radiate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
