What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vaporize
Example
The chemist used a Bunsen burner to vaporize the liquid sample. [vaporize: verb]
Example
The water in the kettle will vaporize when it reaches boiling point. [vaporize: verb]
Example
The laser beam was powerful enough to vaporize the metal surface. [vaporize: verb]
evaporate
Example
The puddle will evaporate in the sun. [evaporate: verb]
Example
The sweat on my skin will eventually evaporate. [evaporate: verb]
Example
The saltwater will evaporate, leaving behind salt crystals. [evaporate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Evaporate is more commonly used than vaporize in everyday language, especially in scientific contexts. Vaporize is less common and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vaporize and evaporate?
Vaporize is more formal than evaporate, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
