What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marinate
Example
I like to marinate my chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before grilling it. [marinate: verb]
Example
The recipe calls for marinating the steak overnight to make it more tender. [marinating: gerund or present participle]
season
Example
I always season my vegetables with a pinch of salt and black pepper. [season: verb]
Example
The soup needs more seasoning to bring out the flavors. [seasoning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Season is more commonly used than marinate in everyday language. Season is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while marinate is less common and refers specifically to the process of soaking food in a mixture of spices, herbs, and other flavorings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between marinate and season?
Both marinate and season are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversations or recipes. However, marinate may be slightly more formal due to its specific culinary context and the use of a specialized technique.