What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wither
Example
The leaves on the tree began to wither in the hot sun. [wither: verb]
Example
The flowers in the vase had begun to wither and lose their color. [wither: verb]
fade
Example
The paint on the old house had faded over time. [fade: verb]
Example
The memory of that day began to fade as time passed. [fade: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fade is more commonly used than wither in everyday language. Fade is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wither is less common and often associated with specific situations, such as describing the state of plants or relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wither and fade?
Both wither and fade are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
