What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wale
Example
The sweater had a wale texture that made it stand out. [wale: noun]
Example
The wale on his arm showed where he had been hit with a stick. [wale: mark left on skin]
Example
The ship's wales were painted a bright red color. [wale: wooden planks]
scar
Example
The scar on her forehead was from a childhood accident. [scar: noun]
Example
He was scarred for life after the fire burned his face. [scarred: past participle]
Example
The climbers scaled the scar in the mountain to reach the summit. [scar: cliff or rock face]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scar is more commonly used than wale in everyday language. Scar is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while wale is less common and mainly used in the context of fabrics or wooden surfaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wale and scar?
Both wale and scar are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.