What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrivel
Example
The grapes shriveled in the sun and became raisins. [shriveled: past tense]
Example
The flowers began to shrivel and die without water. [shrivel: verb]
wither
Example
The leaves on the tree withered and fell to the ground. [withered: past tense]
Example
The plant began to wither without proper care. [wither: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wither is more commonly used than shrivel in everyday language. Wither is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shrivel is less common and more specific to the context of drying up or becoming wrinkled.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shrivel and wither?
Both shrivel and wither are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, wither may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while shrivel is more specific and may be more appropriate in technical or scientific writing.
