What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
percolation
Example
The coffee maker uses percolation to brew coffee. [percolation: noun]
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil and reached the groundwater. [percolated: past tense verb]
penetration
Example
The bullet's penetration caused severe damage to the wall. [penetration: noun]
Example
The oil penetrated deep into the skin, providing nourishment. [penetrated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penetration is more commonly used than percolation in everyday language. Penetration is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while percolation is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between percolation and penetration?
Both percolation and penetration can be used in formal or technical contexts. However, percolation may be perceived as more technical due to its specificity, while penetration can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
