What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smelt
Example
The factory smelts iron ore to produce steel. [smelts: verb]
Example
The blacksmith used a furnace to smelt the metal into a sword. [smelt: verb]
Example
We caught some smelt while fishing in the river. [smelt: noun]
melt
Example
The ice cream began to melt in the sun. [melt: verb]
Example
She melted the chocolate and butter together to make a cake. [melted: past tense verb]
Example
The company's profits began to melt away due to increased competition. [melt: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melt is more commonly used than smelt in everyday language. Melt is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while smelt is more specific and less commonly used outside of technical or industrial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smelt and melt?
Smelt is typically associated with a more technical or industrial tone, while melt can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
