What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pickled
Example
I love the tangy taste of pickled vegetables. [pickled: adjective]
Example
She pickled the cucumbers in a jar with vinegar and spices. [pickled: verb]
preserved
Example
The preserved fruits were still fresh after several months. [preserved: adjective]
Example
He preserved the meat by drying it in the sun. [preserved: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preserved is more commonly used than pickled in everyday language. Preserved is a broader term that covers a wider range of methods and ingredients, while pickled is more specific to the process of soaking food in vinegar or brine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pickled and preserved?
Both pickled and preserved can be used in formal and informal contexts, but preserved may be more commonly used in formal writing due to its broader definition.
