What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plait
Example
She plaited her daughter's hair into a neat braid. [plaited: past tense verb]
Example
The basket was made using a plaiting technique with thin strips of bamboo. [plaiting: gerund or present participle]
weave
Example
She weaved a beautiful tapestry using a variety of colored threads. [weaved: past tense verb]
Example
The car weaved through the narrow streets of the old town. [weaved: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Weave is more commonly used than plait in everyday language, especially in the context of creating fabrics or textiles. However, plait is still used in certain contexts, such as braiding hair or making baskets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plait and weave?
Weave is generally considered more formal than plait, as it is often associated with the creation of high-quality fabrics and textiles using specialized equipment and techniques. Plait, on the other hand, is often associated with more rustic or traditional crafts that can be done with simple tools or by hand.
