What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secretion
Example
The pancreas is responsible for the secretion of insulin. [secretion: noun]
Example
The secretion of sweat helps regulate body temperature. [secretion: noun]
discharge
Example
The factory was fined for discharging pollutants into the river. [discharge: verb]
Example
The patient was discharged from the hospital after recovering from surgery. [discharged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discharge is more commonly used than secretion in everyday language, especially in contexts related to waste or pollution. Secretion is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secretion and discharge?
Both secretion and discharge can be used in formal or technical contexts, but secretion is more likely to be used in medical or scientific writing, while discharge is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
