What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moulder
Example
The bread had been left out for too long and began to moulder. [moulder: verb]
Example
The old book had been sitting on the shelf for years and had started to moulder away. [moulder: phrasal verb]
rot
Example
The fruit had been left out for too long and began to rot. [rot: verb]
Example
The wooden fence had been neglected for years and had started to rot away. [rot: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rot is more commonly used than moulder in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moulder and rot?
Both moulder and rot are relatively informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
