What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
washed
Example
I washed my hands before eating. [washed: past tense]
Example
She washed the dishes after dinner. [washed: verb]
rinsed
Example
I rinsed my face with cold water. [rinsed: past tense]
Example
He rinsed the soap off the dishes before drying them. [rinsed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Washed is more commonly used than rinsed in everyday language. Washed is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rinsed is less common and is usually used in specific cleaning situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between washed and rinsed?
Both washed and rinsed are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, washed can also be used in formal contexts such as business or academic writing, while rinsed is more limited to informal situations.