What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
putrefy
Example
The meat was left out for too long and began to putrefy. [putrefy: verb]
Example
The smell of putrefying garbage filled the air. [putrefying: present participle]
decay
Example
The old wooden fence was beginning to decay. [decay: verb]
Example
The city's infrastructure is in a state of decay due to lack of maintenance. [decay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decay is more commonly used than putrefy in everyday language. Decay is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while putrefy is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between putrefy and decay?
Both putrefy and decay are formal words that are more likely to be used in academic or scientific contexts rather than casual conversation.
