What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
streaked
Example
The sky was streaked with pink and orange as the sun set. [streaked: adjective]
Example
She had her hair streaked with blonde highlights. [streaked: verb]
Example
The glass was streaked with dirt and grime. [streaked: past participle]
striae
Example
The striae on the rock face indicated the direction of the fault line. [striae: noun]
Example
Pregnancy can cause striae on the skin due to rapid weight gain. [striae: noun]
Example
The geologist studied the striae in the rock formations to determine their age. [striae: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Streaked is more commonly used than striae in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more familiar to most people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between streaked and striae?
Striae is more formal than streaked, as it is a technical term used primarily in scientific contexts, while streaked can be used in both formal and informal settings.
