What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sleet
Example
The sleet was coming down hard, making it difficult to see. [sleet: noun]
Example
I had to scrape the sleet off my car windshield before I could drive. [sleet: verb]
graupel
Example
The graupel was falling so fast that it looked like snow. [graupel: noun]
Example
The forecast called for graupel and freezing rain, so I decided to stay home. [graupel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sleet is more commonly used than graupel in everyday language. Sleet is a more familiar term and is often used in weather forecasts and news reports. Graupel, on the other hand, is a less common term and may not be as well-known outside of meteorology or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sleet and graupel?
Both sleet and graupel are formal terms that are typically used in technical or scientific contexts. However, sleet may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while graupel is less common and may be more appropriate in formal or technical writing.
