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. [laved: past tense]
Example
The waves laved the shore, leaving behind shells and seaweed. [laved: verb]
wash
Example
I need to wash my hands before dinner. [wash: verb]
Example
She put the dirty dishes in the sink to wash them later. [wash: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wash is a more common and versatile word that is used in everyday language, while lave is less common and may be limited to certain formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lave and wash?
Lave is a more formal and literary word that may be used in poetry, literature, or historical contexts, while wash is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
