What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lave
Example
She laved her face with cool water to refresh herself. [lave: verb]
Example
The nurse laved the patient's wound to prevent infection. [laved: past tense]
bathe
Example
I like to bathe in the hot springs when I visit the mountains. [bathe: verb]
Example
She took a quick bath before heading to work. [bath: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bathe is more commonly used than lave in everyday language. Bathe is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while lave is less common and has a more formal tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lave and bathe?
Lave is typically associated with a more formal tone, while bathe is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.