What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occulting
Example
The lighthouse has an occulting light that flashes every 10 seconds. [occulting: adjective]
Example
The satellite's occulting of the star allowed astronomers to detect the presence of an exoplanet. [occulting: gerund or present participle]
flashing
Example
The warning sign has a flashing light to alert drivers of potential danger. [flashing: adjective]
Example
The camera's flash was too bright and caused everyone to blink. [flashing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flashing is more commonly used than occulting in everyday language. Flashing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while occulting is less common and is mostly used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occulting and flashing?
Both occulting and flashing are technical terms and are typically associated with a formal tone. However, flashing can also be used in informal contexts, such as describing a flashing light on a party decoration or a flashing neon sign on a store.
