What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrivelling
Example
The leaves of the plant are shrivelling up due to lack of water. [shrivelling: present participle]
Example
The apple started shrivelling in the sun after being left out for too long. [shrivelling: gerund]
wilting
Example
The flowers are wilting in the hot sun. [wilting: present participle]
Example
The lettuce started wilting after being left out of the fridge for too long. [wilting: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wilting is more commonly used than shrivelling in everyday language. Wilting is a more versatile word that can be used to describe plants, animals, and people, while shrivelling is less common and often used to describe the appearance of skin or other materials.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shrivelling and wilting?
Both shrivelling and wilting are relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, wilting is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, making it more suitable for both formal and informal situations.
