What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
replume
Example
The bird replumed its feathers after taking a bath. [replumed: verb]
Example
After a long vacation, she felt replumed and ready to tackle her work again. [replumed: adjective]
preen
Example
The bird preened its feathers before flying away. [preened: verb]
Example
She spent hours preening herself in front of the mirror before the party. [preening: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preen is more commonly used than replume in everyday language. Preen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while replume is less common and more formal, often used in scientific or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between replume and preen?
Replume is more formal than preen, which is more commonly used in informal contexts. Replume is often used in scientific or technical writing, while preen is used in everyday language and literature.
