What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shriveling
Example
The grapes were left in the sun for too long, causing them to shrivel. [shrivel: verb]
Example
The leaves on the plant began shriveling due to lack of water. [shriveling: gerund or present participle]
wilting
Example
The flowers in the vase started wilting after a few days. [wilting: present participle]
Example
The athlete was wilting under the intense pressure of the competition. [wilting: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wilting is more commonly used than shriveling in everyday language. Wilting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shriveling is less common and often used in specific contexts such as describing fruits, vegetables, and skin.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shriveling and wilting?
Both shriveling and wilting are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
