What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parch
Example
The sun had parched the earth and turned it into a barren wasteland. [parched: adjective]
Example
I need to water the plants before they become parched and wilted. [parched: verb]
wither
Example
The flowers had begun to wither and fade in the scorching heat. [wither: verb]
Example
The tree had withered away due to lack of nutrients and care. [withered: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wither is more commonly used than parch in everyday language. Wither is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while parch is less common and refers to a specific type of drying out.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parch and wither?
Both parch and wither are relatively formal words, but wither may be slightly more formal due to its association with literary or poetic language.
