perspiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'perspiration' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is another term for sweat and refers to the process of the body releasing moisture through the skin in order to regulate body temperature. Example: After a long run, Mary's clothes were drenched in perspiration and she could feel the sweat dripping down her face.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No wonder he's performing in this rooftop bar with perspiration coursing down his boyish and flushed cheeks.

The Guardian - Music

Is there any truth in the old saying: art is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration?

The Guardian

When he took off his head there wasn't a single sign of perspiration on his face.

The Guardian

Already in use in the US, most famously around the ankle of the actor Lindsay Lohan, they're electronic devices that detect alcohol consumption in the wearer by monitoring perspiration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arak, or more properly araq, is the Arabic word for sweat or perspiration.

The Economist

There are also clubs for ghost-hunting, chess and gays and, naturally, a puzzle sheet for the spooks to crack over breakfast, entitled Kryptos.Yet Mr Snowden's revelations have caused additional perspiration in the doughnut, because they have been deeply compromising.

The Economist

The saliva on a smoked cigarette or the perspiration on a baseball cap may be enough.

The Economist

One prominent pundit was much derided earlier this year for describing the tingle he got from listening to the candidate but everyone knew exactly what he meant.This moment comes as much through perspiration as through inspiration.

The Economist

THOMAS EDISON gave his famous formula for genius as 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

The Economist

And two cupfuls of tomato juice added to a warm bath helps dispel the odours of excess perspiration, especially in hot climates.

The Economist

New York Times, August 9th99% perspiration"Own a part of American history; own the napkin containing sweat from Ambassador Alan Keyes's forehead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perspiration" in formal writing or when a more clinical or scientific term than "sweat" is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "perspiration" in casual conversation; "sweat" is generally more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The noun "perspiration" functions primarily as a referential term for the process of sweating or the sweat itself. Ludwig examples show it describing both the action (e.g., "increased perspiration") and the substance (e.g., "wiping perspiration"). Ludwig AI confirms the word correctness and usage in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perspiration" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, synonymous with "sweat", but often employed in more formal or technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is commonly used in written English. While both terms refer to the body's process of releasing moisture, "perspiration" appears more often in sources like news articles, scientific documents, and encyclopedias. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, "perspiration" serves the function of describing a physiological process, and it's essential to consider the intended audience when choosing between "perspiration" and the more common term "sweat". Remember to consider if it can be replaced by sweat /s/sweat, sudation /s/sudation or diaphoresis /s/diaphoresis depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweating

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of producing sweat.

sudation

This term refers to the process of sweating, similar to perspiration.

diaphoresis

This is a medical term for excessive sweating.

becoming drenched in sweat

Expresses the condition of being thoroughly wet with sweat.

beading with sweat

Describes the appearance of sweat forming on the skin.

exuding moisture

This describes the act of releasing moisture, but more generally.

glowing with sweat

Describes the shiny appearance of skin covered in sweat.

body moisture

Refers to the presence of moisture on the body, which may be from sweat.

secreting fluids

More general term of releasing bodily fluids which includes sweat

thermal regulation

Focuses on the body's process of controlling temperature, of which perspiration is a part.

FAQs

How to use "perspiration" in a sentence?

You can use "perspiration" to describe the act of sweating, such as "The athlete's brow was covered in perspiration after the race." or referring to sweat itself: "She wiped the perspiration from her forehead."

What can I say instead of "perspiration"?

You can use alternatives like "sweat", "diaphoresis" (in medical contexts), or "sudation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "perspiration" instead of "sweat"?

"Perspiration" is generally more formal and can be used in scientific or medical contexts. "Sweat" is more common in everyday language.

What causes excessive "perspiration"?

Excessive "perspiration", also known as hyperhidrosis, can be caused by heat, exercise, stress, or underlying medical conditions. It's best to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.