What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smelting
Example
The smelting process involves heating the ore to high temperatures to extract the metal. [smelting: noun]
Example
The factory uses a furnace for smelting iron ore into steel. [smelting: present participle]
melting
Example
The ice cream is melting in the sun. [melting: present participle]
Example
The chocolate bar melted in my pocket. [melted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melting is more commonly used than smelting in everyday language. Melting is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while smelting is a more technical term that is primarily used in industrial or scientific settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smelting and melting?
Smelting is a more formal term than melting, as it is primarily used in technical or scientific contexts. Melting is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
