What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rancid
Example
The nuts tasted rancid, so I threw them away. [rancid: adjective]
Example
The oil had turned rancid due to exposure to air and heat. [rancid: adjective]
rotten
Example
The apple was rotten and covered in mold. [rotten: adjective]
Example
The wood had become rotten and was no longer structurally sound. [rotten: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotten is more commonly used than rancid in everyday language. Rotten is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rancid is less common and refers specifically to the spoilage of oils or fats.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rancid and rotten?
Both rancid and rotten are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
