What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sorptive
Example
The sorptive capacity of the sponge was impressive. [sorptive: adjective]
Example
The soil's sorptive properties allowed it to retain water for longer periods. [sorptive: noun]
adsorptive
Example
The activated carbon had excellent adsorptive properties for removing impurities from water. [adsorptive: adjective]
Example
The adsorptive capacity of the clay was useful for removing toxins from the environment. [adsorptive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adsorptive is more commonly used than sorptive in scientific and technical contexts. Sorptive is a less common term and is often used in environmental and filtration applications.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sorptive and adsorptive?
Both sorptive and adsorptive are technical terms and are typically used in formal contexts such as scientific research and engineering applications.
