What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sere
Example
The sere desert landscape stretched out before us, devoid of any signs of life. [sere: adjective]
Example
The sere leaves rustled underfoot as we walked through the park in late October. [sere: noun]
Example
After a long day at work, I felt sere and drained of all energy. [sere: adjective]
withered
Example
The withered rose petals fell off as soon as I touched them. [withered: adjective]
Example
The old man's withered hands trembled as he reached for his cane. [withered: adjective]
Example
The withered mansion stood abandoned on the hill, a relic of a bygone era. [withered: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Withered is more commonly used than sere in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Sere is less common and has a more specific usage in poetic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sere and withered?
Both sere and withered can be used in formal or informal contexts, but sere may sound more formal or archaic due to its origins in Old English.
