What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
molten
Example
The molten lava flowed down the side of the volcano. [molten: adjective]
Example
The blacksmith poured the molten metal into the mold. [molten: adjective]
melted
Example
The ice cream melted quickly in the hot sun. [melted: verb]
Example
The cheese on the pizza had melted and was gooey. [melted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melted is more commonly used than molten in everyday language. Melted is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while molten is more specific and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between molten and melted?
Both molten and melted are relatively formal words, but molten may be slightly more technical and specialized than melted.
