What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poriferous
Example
The poriferous rock allowed water to seep through easily. [poriferous: adjective]
Example
The poriferous nature of the sponge made it an ideal filter for aquariums. [poriferous: adjective]
porous
Example
The porous soil was not suitable for building foundations. [porous: adjective]
Example
The fabric was too porous to be used as a raincoat. [porous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Porous is more commonly used than poriferous in everyday language. Porous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while poriferous is more specialized and typically used in scientific or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poriferous and porous?
Poriferous is more formal than porous and is typically used in academic or scientific writing. Porous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.