What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mist
Example
The mist was so thick that I could barely see the road ahead. [mist: noun]
Example
The plants were misted with water to keep them hydrated. [misted: verb]
vapor
Example
The vapor from the tea kettle filled the room with a pleasant aroma. [vapor: noun]
Example
The gasoline quickly vaporized in the heat. [vaporized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vapor is more commonly used than mist in everyday language, especially in scientific or technical contexts. Mist is less common and is often used to describe natural phenomena.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mist and vapor?
Vapor is generally considered more formal than mist, as it is often used in scientific or technical contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.