What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irradiating
Example
The sun irradiates the earth with light and heat. [irradiates: verb]
Example
The heater is irradiating warmth throughout the room. [irradiating: present participle]
emitting
Example
The car is emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere. [emitting: present participle]
Example
The light bulb is emitting a bright glow. [emitting: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emitting is more commonly used in everyday language than irradiating, which is often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irradiating and emitting?
Irradiating is generally considered more formal than emitting, due to its association with scientific or technical language.
