What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stiffening
Example
The stiffening of the dough made it difficult to knead. [stiffening: noun]
Example
She felt a stiffening in her muscles as she prepared to jump. [stiffening: gerund or present participle]
hardening
Example
The hardening of the cement took several hours. [hardening: noun]
Example
The leather jacket had hardened after being left out in the sun. [hardened: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hardening is more commonly used than stiffening in everyday language. Hardening is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while stiffening is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stiffening and hardening?
Both stiffening and hardening are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
