What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whitening
Example
I used a whitening toothpaste to make my teeth brighter. [whitening: adjective]
Example
The laundry detergent has a whitening agent that removes stains. [whitening: noun]
Example
She went to the salon for a whitening treatment to lighten her skin. [whitening: noun]
lightening
Example
The artist used a lightening technique to create highlights in the painting. [lightening: noun]
Example
She used a cream to help with lightening the dark spots on her face. [lightening: gerund or present participle]
Example
The comedian made a joke to lighten the mood of the audience. [lighten: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whitening is more commonly used than lightening in everyday language, especially in the context of teeth and laundry. However, lightening is gaining popularity in the context of skincare and beauty products.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whitening and lightening?
Both whitening and lightening can be used in formal and informal contexts, but whitening may be perceived as more formal due to its association with cleaning and hygiene.
